Godolphin Pair Ready For QEII Challenge

A double chance has emerged for Godolphin in the headline race of the Sydney Autumn when Hauraki and It's Somewhat take their places in the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Randwick on Saturday April 9.

Both Hauraki (John O'Shea/James McDonald) and It's Somewhat (John O'Shea/Sam Clipperton) have come through their preparations of the AUS$4-million race in good order, and according to their trainer they are ready to take advantage of the absence of the star of Australian racing, Winx.

"Hauraki is absolutely flying at the moment," O'Shea said. "He's going as well as we've seen him go."

"I thought he was marginally unlucky last start and before that he'd run two great races behind Winx, and we know how good she is."

Hauraki finished a strong second behind The United States in the G1 Ranvet Stakes at Rosehill at his most recent start and meets that horse again at Randwick.

The former European runner It's Somewhat has also arrived for the Queen Elizabeth in supreme condition.

"He's never looked better," O'Shea said. "He's a horse who can make his own luck and he's in the best form he's been in since he came here."

It's Somewhat is a winner of his past two starts, the latest the G3 Neville Sellwood Stakes at Rosehill over the same 2000m trip as the Queen Elizabeth.

"He had to make a long run last time and scored a good, solid win," O'Shea added.

With the decision made at declaration time for Winx, who is unbeaten in her last nine starts, to miss the race, the Queen Elizabeth has opened up to an even field that includes last year's winner Criterion, the G1 Australian Cup and G1 BMW winner Preferment, along with the Godolphin pair.