An in-depth look at every runner in the $5 million Longines Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

1. Anamoe (James Cummings): Is a nine-time Group 1 winner and arguably Australia's best horse in work. The Godolphin galloper is primed for his grand final, and his historical ratings pattern suggests he will peak for his fourth up run. He has a fantastic record and has started a well-fancied favourite in his past eight outings. In addition, he has the key attribute of adapting, conserving energy throughout the run and then sprinting. He will take some beating but do expect him to start on the second line of betting.

2. Dubai Honour (William Haggas): Is an international raider who brought elite Group 1 form lines prior to his dominant first-up victory in OZ. He demolished his rivals in the Group 1 WFA Ranvet Stakes (2000m), producing a career peak figure, and the clock backed up his visual dominance. He ran slick closing splits and went through the line full of energy, indicating he could improve again. Further, the rating he produced is the peak of all runners lining up on Saturday across their careers. The five-year-old excels on the rain-affected ground, and going onto the bigger Randwick track is only a plus. He only needs to hold his Ranvet performance/figure to win and deserves to be the outright favourite.

3. Alenquer (Michael Moroney): Started $31 in the All Star Mile (1600m), and although having factors against he was well beaten. The five-year-old is a Group 1 winner in Ireland and has figures that can put him in the placings, but he hasn't been at that level for over 12 months.

4. Cascadian (James Cummings): Is a proven 2000m WFA performer and overcame difficulties to score in the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) last start. His peak performance came at this track/distance on the rain-affected ground last prep, and the gelding has a strong platform. Maps well, excels in high-pressure races and is a definite place chance.

5. Mo'Unga (Annabel Neasham): Started $2.90 favourite ahead of Dubai Honour in the Group 1 WFA Ranvet Stakes (2000m) and, although having all favours, he battled on ok for third. He latest SP must be respected, but he hasn't won in a long-time.

6. Numerian (Annabel Neasham): Led at a solid tempo last start in the Group 1 WFA Ranvet Stakes (2000m) and went down fighting to hold second. The seven-year-old will be fitter for that, rolls forward and can give a sight. Does need to improve significantly to rate.

7. Unicorn Lion (Yoshito Yahagi): Is a free-running on-pace type from Japan coming out of the astute Yoshito Yahagi stable. The seven-year-old is a Group 3 winner overseas, which aligns well against his opposition due to the strength of Japanese form. He will roll forward and is right in this race, but he has failed both times he's struck wet ground - on dirt tracks. Market watch.

8. Zeyrek (Team Hawkes): Presents as a knockout chance, and he is flying this prep. The six-year-old has won two out of his three starts this campaign, with his latest victory having merit. He wasn't suited to settling at the rear of the field in a slow tempo, but to his credit, he made a long wide, sustained run and easily picked up his rivals. Further, he accelerated away, running some of the meeting's fastest closing splits and was dominant late. He has to step up to the elite WFA level but is over the odds.

9. Protagonist (William Haggas): Wasn't suited in the Doncaster Mile (1600m) last week but struggled on the heavy surface and was well beaten. He beat Zeyrek first up but some query at WFA on the rain-affected ground again.

10. Gear Up (Annabel Neasham): is an intriguing runner who ran an honest race first-up behind Zeyrek in the Group 3 Sellwood Stakes (2000m). He was outpaced when the sprint went on, but he never shirked his task and knuckled down hard late to run third. The five-year-old will benefit immensely from that effort and is one for the wider exotics.

11. Hezashocka (Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr): Has had his chance in both starts this prep but did improve significantly between runs. He beat Anamoe home last campaign in the Group 1 WFA Champions Stakes (2000m) and the rain-affected ground suits, but apart from that peak performance, he needs more consistency.

12. Montefilia (David Payne): Should've won the Group 1 WFA Tancred Stakes (2400m), but she hit a soft part of the track, slipped and lost her momentum at a key stage. To her credit, even after those excuses, she ran on strongly into second. The mare is rock-hard fit, and the step back in distance suits. Although she hasn't won in a while, that win was against champion mare Verry Ellegant on heavy ground. Represents some value at the current odds.

13. El Patroness (Danny O'Brien): Had no luck whatsoever in the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) after being blocked for the majority of the final straight. She has started high prices in all races this prep, but she gets a few things in her favour on Saturday. Hugh Bowman rides for the first time, and she finally gets back on wet ground. However, have to query her at the elite WFA level.

Summary:

Dubai Honour brings the clear best last-start figure/performance and deserves to be the favourite. No knock on Anamoe but have him marked longer than the current odds. Zeyrek looms as a potential knockout hope, and Montefilia's form ties in well against the two market fancies.

Selections:

2. DUABI HONOUR
1. Anamoe
8. Zeyrek
12. Montefilia