QUEEN ELIZABETH STAKES

HISTORY

* A 2000-metre weight-for-age race

* First run in 1954 and won by Blue Ocean

* The legendary Tulloch won the race three times - in 1958, 1960 and 1961

* Other winners include: Gay Icarus (1971), Battle Heights (1974), Ming Dynasty (1978), Rough Habit (1992), Veandercross (1993), Jeune (1995), Doriemus (1996), Might And Power (1998), Shogun Lodge (2001), Lonhro (2003), Grand Armee (2004-05), Eremein (2006) and It's A Dundeel (2014)

* The Queen Elizabeth has become as famous for two defeats as for its illustrious winners. In 1997 Intergaze spoiled the farewell party of champion Octagonal and seven years later Grand Armee did the same to Octagonal's most famous son, Lonhro

* Intergaze's defeat of Octagonal was the last time a three-year-old won the race.

TALKING POINTS

* Three-time Melbourne Cup runner-up Red Cadeaux bypassing Sydney Cup to contest the Queen Elizabeth

* Contributer out to maintain unbeaten run in Sydney autumn carnival weight-for-age races

* Cox Plate winner Adelaide resumes for new trainer Chris Waller

* Nick Hall controversially sacked as rider of Japan's To The World and replaced by Hong Kong-based Zac Purton.

RACE PATTERN

* Fiveandahalfstar the likely leader while Aomen and Japan's Tosen Stardom both like to race on speed. To The World settled better than midfield at Australian debut and should again take a trail behind leading group. Favourite Contributer was explosive in Ranvet when ridden patiently, tactics which also suit Cox Plate winner Adelaide.