A short but sweet field of eight will step out at Randwick on Saturday to contest what is arguably one of the most anticipated editions of the $4 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

After a battle for the ages two weeks ago in the Ranvet, defending champion Addeybb and eight-time Group 1 winner Verry Elleegant will write another in their epic rivalry, while the likes of All-Star Mile winner Mugatoo and last week’s Tancred winner Sir Dragonet both look to stage an upset.

First run in 1954, several champions of the track have made their name in the Queen Elizabeth – most notably Lonhro, Criterion, and three-time winner Winx.

Will Chris Waller make it win number six? Will Addeybb go back-to-back?

Find out our thoughts on every runner in the 2021 Queen Elizabeth Stakes below!

Addeybb

Defending champion Addeybb will start equal favourite on Saturday ahead of another stoush with Verry Elleegant.

William Haggas’ Irish raider came off second-best to Chris Waller’s mighty mare in the Ranvet Stakes two weeks ago, but there was a lot to like about the way he fought on in his first run back from a spell.

The son of Pivotal will start right alongside his rival in barrier 3 and is no doubt going to take some beating with fitness now on his side.

The seven-year-old won this same race in his second run back last year, while he also claimed the Group 1 Champion Stakes at Ascot last October second-up.

With the added chance of rain, Addeybb looks a safe bet to join Grand Armee and Intergaze as a two-time winner.

Sir Dragonet

Sir Dragonet is looking to pick up right where he left off at Rosehill a fortnight ago in the Tancred Stakes.

The reigning Cox Plate champion claimed his second Group 1 with a comfortable two-length win and will now drop back to the 2000m where he has found the money five times previously.

Jockey Glen Boss maintains that the Camelot entire is capable of handling the sharp step back in trip and that he should be able to position him just off the speed from barrier 2.

The Maher and Eustace stable is flying right now having won the Tancred and last week’s ATC Derby with Explosive Jack.

After running fourth to Verry Elleegant and Addeybb in the Ranvet, the $7.00 price at time of publish might be a touch over the odds.

Mugatoo

Mugatoo returns on the quick backup after running on well for fourth in last week’s Doncaster Mile.

The All-Star Mile winner was held up in traffic rounding the turn before being gunned down by the fast-finishing Cascadian and Icebath over the concluding stages.

Although he’ll carry 3kg extra, the way he finished through the line suggested he should see out the 2000m just fine.

Kris Lees’ six-year-old won the Listed Canberra Cup over this same trip last year and will no doubt be fighting out the finish.

Think It Over

Think It Over is looking to become the sixth horse to complete the George Ryder Stakes – Queen Elizabeth Stakes double on Saturday.

The son of So You Think bolted in to beat home Dreamforce at Rosehill a fortnight ago from a long way back, although it’s likely we see Brenton Avdulla land somewhere closer to the speed this time in place of Glen Boss.

While he’ll need to produce something extra special to beat home some of these, it is worth nothing he’s won twice over this track and trip previously. Worth considering in exotics.

Samadoubt

Samadoubt returns on the quick backup looking to atone for last week’s disappointment in the Doncaster Mile.

The seven-year-old by Not A Single Doubt weakened out of it to finish towards the rear after racing on speed. He has run well over this track and trip in the past, but likely won’t find this any easier.

Dalasan

Dalasan got up to run third in the Doncaster Mile last week behind Cascadian and Icebath – a run he can certainly improve on now getting out over further.

The four-year-old did well to run fourth over this trip at Flemington during the spring in the Turnbull behind the winner Verry Elleegant, while he should get a nice run in transit just off the speed.

How he handles the extra 6kg’s on the short backup is the big query, but there is a case to be made for him running another place.

Verry Elleegant

Verry Elleegant is looking to cap off her autumn in style by winning a sixth Queen Elizabeth for trainer Chris Waller.

The mighty mare became an eight-time Group 1 winner two weeks ago when she saw off Addeybb to win the Ranvet by a length, a performance she can certainly repeat with five wins on the board over this trip.

James McDonald has done a fantastic job of getting to her settle in all three of her starts this autumn and there is no question he holds the keys to her chances once again.

She’ll need to bring her best with Addeybb fitter for their last battle, but Verry Elleegant is still the one to beat.

Mo’unga

Mo’unga finished as nothing more than a footnote last week in the Doncaster Mile after struggling to make up ground from the awkward alley.

He is worth forgiving on that run though as he gets back out to the 2000m, the same trip he won the Rosehill Guineas over two runs back.

The Savabeel colt has found the money in three of his four starts this time in work and has already shown that he likes a wet track.

He won’t want to give away too big of a start with Addeybb and Verry Elleegant in the field, but the current double-figure quote does make him a decent each-way chance.

Queen Elizabeth Stakes Tips

Verry Elleegant at $2.40