The Hall of Fame trainer is readying Sir Delius for a stellar showdown with Autumn Glow in the Group 1 $5 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday and wasn't about to make any outlandish predictions about the race's outcome.

"I wish this race was 2400m because it would have Sir Delius's name written all over it,'' Waterhouse told Racing And Sports.

"The only thing holding him back on Saturday is the 2000m.

"Autumn Glow will be very effective at 2000m but he will still be a little vulnerable.

"Sir Delius comes into his own when he gets to 2400m.''

In early TAB Fixed Odds betting for the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Chris Waller's Autumn Glow is the dominant $1.40 favourite to make it 12 wins from as many starts with Sir Delius on the second line of betting alongside Aeliana at $4.50.

Waterhouse, who trains in partnership with Adrian Bott, said Sir Delius has "definitely improved" since his closing third to Aeliana and Lindermann in the Ranvet Stakes three weeks ago.

"It didn't suit him the way the race was run last time,'' she said. "But he's a 'happy chappy' and looks amazing.''

Sir Delius, a son of unbeaten English superhorse and sire Frankel, won the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) and Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) last spring so he is very capable over middle distances.

But Waterhouse is adamant Sir Delius will be even better when he gets out to staying trips while also admitting she is an unabashed admirer of Autumn Glow's supreme talents.

Autumn Glow, racing's "Miss Invincible", has reeled off outstanding wins in the Apollo Stakes (1400m), Verry Elleegant Stakes (1600m) and George Ryder Stakes (1500m) leading into the Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

This is Autumn Glow's first attempt at 2000m – she has never raced beyond 1600m – but Waterhouse isn't one of those who believes the mare's stamina reserves will be tested on Saturday.

"I think Autumn Glow will run 2000m easily,'' Waterhouse said. "She will do it with her eyes shut!"

Waterhouse and Bott also has Vauban among Queen Elizabeth Stakes entries but they are likely to keep the stayer fresh for a Brisbane campaign aimed at the Doomben Cup and Q22.

Waterhouse is aiming for a sixth win in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes after previous successes with More Joyous (2012), Desert War (2007) and Grand Armee (2004-05).

The final field and barrier draw for Queen Elizabeth Stakes will be announced on Tuesday but Sydney's premier autumn carnival weight-for-age race is unlikely to attract more than about 10 starters.

Aritcle: Ray Thomas, International Editor for Racing and Sports

Photo: Racing Photos