A year ago, Lincoln Day got off to a flyer for the Haggas stable when Dubai Honour tenaciously outbattled a high-quality field to claim the $1.5 million (AUD) Group 1 Tancred Stakes.
The team will be hunting for a repeat performance as the 8yo bids to go back-to-back at Rosehill this Saturday. Last year, he accounted for the 116-rated Duke De Sessa and the versatile Vauban. While Vauban returns for a rematch, there is little evidence on the figures to suggest he can reverse the placings on the same terms.
The primary threat is the upwardly mobile 4yo filly Aeliana. Ridden by James McDonald and coming off a Group 1 Ranvet Stakes win (RPR 122) last weekend , she previously chased home the elite Autumn Glow. While this is a step up in trip, she is already a proven winner over 12f.
The race this year has a very strange make up – only 9 go to post with the front two in the market drawn in 8 and 9. Dubai Honour is a model of consistency, rarely dipping below a 120 rating. He will get his favoured soft ground and in a straight fight he has the grit to out battle Aeliana in a finish.
The week-long delay in his flight to Sydney is a nagging concern. Combined with the weight concession of 5.5 pound he must give to a peak-form filly,
The third quandary for supporters of the Newmarket raider is that Chris Waller the trainer of Aeliana saddles no less than 6 of the 9 runner field.
Combined with the wide draw Tom Marquand looks likely to have to deal with team tactics and it will take all his skill to enable Dubai Honour to get a trouble free run. Given these 3 factors the current price of 9/4 is just too skinny.
The alarm will be set again – my wallet will stay in my pocket this year but I will be cheering him home with no less enthusiasm.
REFA HAG TAG
Chrysalis Consortium 
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