Australia’s second richest race headlines the racing action at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday, and our insider 2024 Golden Eagle tips and best bets found below.
We look set for an exciting sixth edition of the lucrative 1500m showdown that has been run and won since 2019.
There are a number of already proven four-year-olds in the mix including the Japanese-trained favourite Ascoli Piceno who leads Golden Eagle betting at Ladbrokes.com.au to beat home the local fresh and go back-to-back in the event for Japan.
The Golden Eagle is always a thrilling contest between the season’s best four-year-olds and serves as a gun entree for punters awaiting Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup at Flemington!
Can Ascoli Piceno overcome a wide alley and salute for the punters?
Or will Chris Waller take out the race for a second time with his Group 1 winning mare Joliestar the danger in betting?
Are we about to crown a French-trained Golden Eagle winner with Lazzat looking to remain undefeated?
Or can the Godolphin-raced Tom Kitten make the most of barrier two and win for the Royal Blue after they ran second and third last year?
Read on to see the horses we are backing and sacking in Rosehill Race 8 at 4:45pm (AEDT) on Saturday before heading to Ladbrokes.com.au to lock in your selections at the right price.
To Win: #15 Stefi Magnetica ($10 at time of publish) – BET NOW
Love the price on Stefi Magnetica to return to winning form in Saturday’s Golden Eagle.
Bjorn Baker’s classy daughter of All Too Hard is third-up and fit this weekend having last been seen running ninth only 2.3 lengths off Bella Nipotina in the $20 million The Everest over 1200m.
She beat that mare home in the winter’s Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap over 1400m and was also good fresh when runner-up by the barest of margins in the Group 2 The Shorts over 1100m.
Up to the 1500m should suit, she’s drawn to get a dream run from barrier four, and apprentice Zac Lloyd is in outstanding form.
She couldn’t quite go with the sprinters in the world’s richest turf race but gets her chance to atone over further at a more even pace here.
The Danger: #16 Joliestar ($5.50 at time of publish) – BET NOW
Trainer Chris Waller won the inaugural The Golden Eagle with Kolding and now he returns six years on and looks to have a genuine winning hope in Group 1 winning mare Joliestar.
The Thousand Guineas winner is another The Everest graduate in a blanket finish last time out when seventh to Bella only 1.59 lengths off.
She is rock hard fit now fourth-up and ready to fire.
Won the Group 3 Show County fresh by a big margin and was third in the Sheraco behind Sunshine In Paris with 58kg in her other spring assignment.
Options from barrier 11 for Kerrin McEvoy, she’s back to 55.5kg here, and with Group 1 winning form up to a mile the 1500m looks spot on at this stage of her prep.
Genuine danger.
The Roughie: #4 Ostraka ($23 at time of publish) – BET NOW
There’s a host of runners in this bumper Golden Eagle field at big odds for an upset including Ostraka who looks overs at $23 at time of publish based on their recent form.
Chasing a fifth straight win now, this Annable Neasham & Rob Archibald-trained Pariah gelding won the Silver Eagle from wide out in gate 14 at Randwick over 1300m by a half-length last start.
Might not bring in the same strong form lines as the likes of The Everest graduates but still think that run was strong enough and the winning streak hot enough to suggest another top performance here from an underrated runner.
He won at this track first-up with 59kg, carries 57.5kg here, wider out draw but that should suit, and he’s a genuine Rosehill contender with a great track record at the course (4:2-1-1).
The Golden Eagle 2024 Odds
| Runner Details | Win | Place |
|---|---|---|
|
1. Southport Tycoon (15)
J: Craig Williams 57.5kg
T: Ciaron Maher |
||
| Going well. Most recently made ground from midfield; 3rd of 18 at Randwick in the G3 Sydney Stks on October 19 over 1200m, slow going 2.25 len behind Overpass carrying 58.5kg at $4.50. The race before that favourite; won by a nose at Moonee Valley G1 Manikato September 27 over 1200m defeating Growing Empire with 58.5kg at $21. One of the major players despite drawing out. | ||
|
2. Veight (18)
J: Harry Coffey 57.5kg
T: T & C McEvoy |
||
| Third-up today and placed third-up previously. First-up second last of 12 at Moonee Valley in the G1 Manikato on September 27 over 1200m, 5.5 len behind Southport Tycoon with 58.5kg at $11. Second run from a spell 9th of 14 at Randwick in the G3 Silver Eagle on October 19 over 1300m, slow going 4.5 len behind Ostraka with 58.5kg at $5.50. Plagued by bad gates all preparation and hard to see him worry some of these. | ||
|
3. Tom Kitten (2)
J: Ben Melham 57.5kg
T: James Cummings |
||
| Useful type. Last start ran on strongly from last on the turn; 4th of 11 at Randwick in the G1 King Charlesiii on October 19 over 1600m, slow going 3.5 len behind Ceolwulf with 58.5kg at $21. The start before that ran on from midfield; 2nd of 20 at Randwick in the G1 Epsom on October 5 over 1600m, 1.2 len behind Ceolwulf with 54kg at $12. Certainly worth another chance. | ||
|
4. Ostraka (13)
J: Chad Schofield 57.5kg
T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald |
||
| On a four run winning streak. Most recently favourite; won by 0.6 len at Randwick G3 Silver Eagle October 19 over 1300m on a rain affected track defeating Xidaki carrying 56kg at $4. The race before that favourite; won by a head at Randwick Bm94 October 5 over 1200m defeating Moravia with 59kg at $4. Racing well but this is a much tougher assignment. | ||
|
5. Griff (6)
J: Dylan Gibbons 57.5kg
T: Ciaron Maher |
||
| At the latest run eased back early on 11th of 15 at Caulfield in the LR Weekend Hussler on October 12 over 1400m, 6 len behind Jimmysstar carrying 60kg at $26. Before that struggled in the run home; ran last of 9 at Sandown-Hillside in the G3 Sand Stks on September 28 over 1500m, 8 len behind Desert Lightning with 58kg at $11. Massive form reversal required. | ||
|
6. Encap (1)
J: Jason Collett 57.5kg
T: Gary Portelli |
||
| Form hard to fault. Last start 4th of 17 at this track Alan Brown on October 12 over 1400m, 1.5 len behind Here To Shock carrying 55.5kg at $7. Before that won by a head at this track G2 Theo Marks September 14 over 1300m defeating Bases Loaded carrying 54kg at $7. Thereabouts last time out. Stays in the mix from the low draw. | ||
|
7. Xidaki (10)
J: Tom Sherry 57.5kg
T: Peter Snowden |
||
| Second run back. First-up after three months 2nd of 14 at Randwick in the G3 Silver Eagle on October 19 over 1300m, on a slow track; 0.6 len behind Ostraka with 56.5kg at $19. Previously second-up 2nd of 7 at Newcastle Super Mdn-Sw on January 11 over 1200m, 0.5 len behind Hanau carrying 57.5kg at $1.80. Prefer others on this occasion. | ||
|
8. Chrysaor (14)
J: Regan Bayliss 57.5kg
T: Chris Waller |
||
| Third-up today and won third-up in the past. Resuming won by 0.5 len at Flemington LR Tontonan September 14 over 1400m on a heavy track defeating Nicolini Vito carrying 54kg at $21. Second-up 15th of 20 at Randwick in the G1 Epsom on October 5 over 1600m, 6 len behind Ceolwulf with 52kg at $15. Happy to overlook. | ||
|
9. Kintyre (3)
J: Reece Jones 57.5kg
T: Gary Portelli |
||
| Last start raced on the speed and boxed on steadily 4th of 8 at Randwick Filante on October 26 over 1600m, 2.5 len behind Sounds Of Heaven with 56kg at $3. The race before that 9th of 20 at Randwick in the G1 Epsom on October 5 over 1600m, 4 len behind Ceolwulf with 50kg at $19. Happy enough to avoid. | ||
|
10. War Machine (7)
J: Jay Ford 57.5kg
T: Michael Moroney & Glen Thompson |
||
| Third-up today and won third-up previously. First-up held ground to the line 2nd of 12 at Moonee Valley Bm84 on September 27 over 1200m, 0.8 len behind Baraqiel carrying 57kg at $2.50. Second run from a spell tracked the speed and boxed on steadily 3rd of 14 at Randwick in the G3 Silver Eagle on October 19 over 1300m, slow going 0.7 len behind Ostraka with 56kg at $9. Solid credentials and can sneak into the minor placings. | ||
|
11. Port Lockroy (9)
J: Adam Hyeronimus 57.5kg
T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald |
||
| Third-up today and won third-up previously. First-up made some head-way from midfield; 3rd of 15 at Randwick Bm94 on October 5 over 1200m, neck behind Ostraka carrying 54kg at $17. Second-up 6th of 14 at Randwick in the G3 Silver Eagle on October 19 over 1300m, slow going 2.25 len behind Ostraka carrying 56kg at $12. Will be doing his best work late. | ||
|
12. Lazzat (12)
J: Antonio Orani 56.5kg
T: Jerome Reynier |
||
| Looking to keep his unbeaten record intact. Last appeared won by 3 len at Deauville G1 Mrc De Cheest August 4 over 1300m defeating Exxtra carrying 57kg at $4.30. Smart French gelding undefeated in six starts; genuine contender. | ||
|
13. Craig (5)
J: Nash Rawiller 56.5kg
T: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young |
||
| Last start came home strongly from last on the turn; 2nd of 12 at Caulfield in the G1 Toorak Hcp on October 12 over 1600m, 6 len behind Antino carrying 53.5kg at $10. Before that ran on strongly from last on the turn; 2nd of 9 at Sandown-Hillside in the G3 Sand Stks on September 28 over 1500m, 1.0 len behind Desert Lightning carrying 54kg at $2.50. Underrated gelding who can run into the minor money. | ||
|
14. Lake Forest (8)
J: Cieren Fallon 56.5kg
T: William Haggas |
||
| Resuming after a break of three-and-a-half months. Finished off last campaign second of 9 at Newbury in the G3 Hackwood Stks July 20 over 1207m, 0.5 len behind Elite Status carrying 59kg at $5.50. When resuming last campaign second of 14 at Ascot in the G1 Commonwealth Cup June 21 over 1207m, 2.25 len behind Inisherin with 58kg at $13. Might find this too tough. | ||
|
15. Stefi Magnetica (4)
J: Zac Lloyd 55.5kg
T: Bjorn Baker |
||
| Third-up today and won third-up previously. Resuming took up a position near the tail 2nd of 11 at Randwick in the G2 The Shorts on September 21 over 1100m, head behind I Am Me with 56kg at $9. Second-up 9th of 11 at Randwick in the G1 Everest on October 19 over 1200m, slow going 2.25 len behind Bella Nipotina carrying 56.5kg at $15. Fitter now and desperate for this trip; each way player. | ||
|
16. Joliestar (11)
J: Kerrin McEvoy 55.5kg
T: Chris Waller |
||
| Last start 7th of 11 at Randwick in the G1 Everest on October 19 over 1200m, on a slow track; 1.5 len behind Bella Nipotina with 56.5kg at $6. The start before that 3rd of 7 at this track in the G2 Sheraco on September 14 over 1200m, 2 len behind Sunshine In Paris carrying 58kg at $1.80. Nicely placed and she has a sense of timing fourth-up. | ||
|
17. Makarena (20)
J: Tyler Schiller 55.5kg
T: M, W & J Hawkes |
||
| Most recently raced on the pace when 3rd of 12 at Randwick in the G2 Invitation on October 26 over 1400m, 1.75 len behind Belclare with 58.5kg at $5.50. Before that 10th of 17 at this track Alan Brown on October 12 over 1400m, 3.5 len behind Here To Shock with 54kg at $8.50. Looks tested in this tougher line-up. | ||
|
18. Skybird (16)
J: Beau Mertens 55.5kg
T: Mitchell Freedman |
||
| Last start 7th of 12 at Caulfield in the G2 Tristarc on October 19 over 1400m, slow going 4 len behind Lady In Pink carrying 57.5kg at $3. The run before that ran on strongly from last on the turn; 3rd of 12 at Flemington in the G2 Blazer on October 5 over 1400m, slow going neck behind Revolutionary Miss carrying 57.5kg at $4. Has a ton of ability but drawn out for this. | ||
|
19. Ascoli Piceno (17)
J: Joao Moreira 54.5kg
T: Yoichi Kuroiwa |
||
| Second run back. Comes off a 55-day let-up. First-up after four months favourite; ran on from midfield and won by 1.3 len at Nakayama G3 Keisei Hai Autu September 8 over 1600m defeating Time To Heaven carrying 55.5kg at $1.50. Previously second-up 2nd of 18 at Tokyo in the G1 Nhk Mile Cup on May 5 over 1600m, 2.5 len behind Jantar Mantar with 55.0kg at $2.90. Classy Japanese mare who has the ability to overcome the wide gate. | ||
|
20. Corazon Beat (19)
J: Tommy Berry 54.5kg
T: Shizuya Kato |
||
| Second run back. Comes off a 55-day let-up. First-up after five months second last of 16 at Nakayama in the G3 Keisei Hai Autu on September 8 over 1600m, 11 len behind Ascoli Piceno carrying 54.0kg at $19. Previously second-up 16th of 18 at Hanshin in the G1 Jap 1000 Gns on April 7 over 1600m, 8 len behind Stellenbosch carrying 55.0kg at $7.70. Has some ability but will need to make big improvement. | ||
Data retrieved: 01/11/2024 06:04:21 PM (Australia/Brisbane)
All 2024 Golden Eagle odds are provided by Ladbrokes.com.au, correct at time of publication, and subject to change without notice.
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Race comments
ASCOLI PICENO (19) Japanese trained mare who brings impeccable ratings here. First run back she defeated a strong lineup when taking out the G3 Keisei Hai Autumn Handicap at Nakayama over 1600m on September 8. Expecting Moreira to weave his magic from the sticky barrier and figure prominently. JOLIESTAR (16) drifted back early before savaging the line late when seventh in the G1 The Everest at Randwick over 1200m on October 19. Ready for the 1500m now and is a genuine top-three prospect. LAZZAT (12) French gelding by Territories undefeated in six starts. Has a smart record over this trip and maps to get the right run after scoring a 3 len victory in the G1 MRC De Cheest over 1300m at Deauville on August 4. Has settled in well by all reports and can keep his unbeaten record intact. STEFI MAGNETICA (15) won the Stradbroke Hcp last prep and has looked sharp in two runs back. Failed to sprint with them when ninth over 1200m in the G1 The Everest at Randwick last time out. Each-way.