Te Akau Shark (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle) has been cleared to take on international stars Danon Premium (Deep Impact) and Addeybb (Pivotal) in the Gr.1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) after an injury scare.
The Gr.1 Chipping Norton Stakes (1600m) winner is the third favourite with Danon Premium assuming $3.90 favouritism from Addeybb ($4.40) on Tuesday after the pair had been level-pegging.
After his third in the George Ryder Stakes, New Zealander Te Akau Shark underwent a regime of swimming when he was found to have a bruised hoof.
Trainer Jamie Richards says he has not missed any fast work and Racing NSW chief vet Toby Koenig passed him fit on Tuesday afternoon.
