Edward Cummings all but confirms boom mare will tackle weight-for-age pinnacle over Sydney Cup

Trainer Edward Cummings leaning to starting Duais in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes on Saturday.

Tancred Stakes winner Duais will likely tackle the Queen Elizabeth Stakes on Day Two of the Championships at Randwick on Saturday. Picture: Ashlea Brennan Photography

In another strong indication Duais will contest the $4 million Longines Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Royal Randwick on Saturday, her lightweight standby jockey Kerrin McEvoy has taken another ride in the Sydney Cup.

McEvoy has accepted the ride on Adelaide Cup winner Daqiansweet Junior at 50kg in the $2 million Sydney Cup (3200m).

The champion jockey had been ready to ride Duais in the Sydney Cup at 51kg if connections decided to target that race.

Kerrin McEvoy was on standby to ride Duais in the Sydney Cup but has since taken the ride on Daqiansweet Junior in the 3200m handicap. Picture: Getty Images

But Edwards Cummings, trainer of Duais, has virtually confirmed his mare will target the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) on Saturday.

“We haven’t made a final decision yet but the clarity of the (weather) forecast at this point probably has the track in the heavy range,” Cummings said.

“So, we are more likely to run in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes.”

The betting trends on both races this weekend also suggests that Duais will be in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes field.

Duais continues to firm and is into $5 behind Verry Elleegant at $3.50 for the Queen Elizabeth. The Cummings-trained mare remains favourite for the Sydney Cup although she is easy at $3.50 while Crystal Pegasus is pressing at $5.

Cummings said Duais has had a great preparation so far with wins in the Australian Cup (2000m) and Tancred Stakes (2400m) at her last two starts under Josh Parr who will stay on the mare if she does run in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

“The way she has won her last two races it I hard to fathom sometimes when they do those things,” Cummings said.

Duais became the first mare since Makybe Diva to win the Australian Cup (pictured) and Tancred Stakes double. Picture: Getty Images

“We did identify the Australian Cup and Tancred Stakes were there for the taking this preparation for a mare we thought was stronger and better, and more promising than the spring.

“But no one can prepare you for just how well she has done (this autumn).”

Cummings was interviewed on This Week, Next Week on Sky Thoroughbred Central last night and gave a succinct summation of the likely challengers to Duais in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

“I have huge respect for a horse like Montefilia who has gone to a new level this preparation,” Cummings said.

“Verry Elleegant needs no introduction. If it comes down to a head-bobbing finish, she is a hard horse to beat.

“Then we have to deal with Anamoe who brings that X-factor to the race, and arguably the most dominant 2000m horse in the last 12 months in Zaaki.

“It is going to be a fabulous Queen Elizabeth and I am very proud to have a horse in such good form going into the race.”

Originally published as Edward Cummings all but confirms boom mare will tackle weight-for-age pinnacle over Sydney Cup