A cool $7.5 million goes on the line at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday when an open and capacity field of four-year-olds contests The Golden Eagle.
In its short existence, The Golden Eagle has etched a strong position in the landscape of the Spring Racing Carnival, and has been won by some genuine middle-distance stars in Kolding and Colette.
I’ve run the rule over each of the eighteen confirmed starters and emergencies and you can find my 2021 The Golden Eagle Tips below.
The Golden Eagle – Winner
No. 2 I’m Thunderstruck
I’m Thunderstruck has been nothing short of outstanding since arriving in Australia, and I think that he will be crowned The Golden Eagle winner.
I’m Thunderstruck stamped himself as a runner to follow when debuting for a classy win in maiden company at Caulfield in January and he simply hasn’t looked back, recording a total of five wins and two minors from his eight career starts.
He made his Group 1 debut in the Neds Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes last month, filling the minors behind Sierra Sue, and he was rewarded for his ability with an impressive win in the Group 1 Toorak Handicap last time.
This has been his major target since resuming in June and with even luck, I can’t find a reason why he won’t be in the finish.
The Golden Eagle – 2nd
While he always seems to be forgotten by the bookies, Count De Rupee is a strong and consistent racehorse, and I think he’ll lay a great account for himself once more in The Golden Eagle.
The Real Impact gelding has missed placing only twice in thirteen career starts so far, and he has been excellent since resuming this time; he won in BM88 company before finishing third, beaten half a length by Aim in the Silver Eagle a fortnight ago.
He is drawn to receive a lovely run on Saturday afternoon and I firmly believe that he has the class and ability to win.
The Golden Eagle – 3rd
No. 1 Private Eye
This year’s outstanding Epsom Handicap winner will step out in The Golden Eagle field, but Private Eye will need plenty of luck in running after drawing barrier 17.
The Al Maher gelding has been a standout performer for the Joe Pride stable since debuting, but he has gone to a new level in 2021.
Having ended his winter prep with an easy win in the Queensland Guineas, Private Eye picked up where he left off by winning the Show County Quality.
He returned a couple of fair efforts in similar races before mustering an eye-catching turn of foot to record his first Group 1 victory last time, in what has been a career with striking similarity to that of inaugural Golden Eagle winner Kolding.
The Golden Eagle – 4th
No. 3 Aegon
He hasn’t shown his best in two starts back this time, but we all know how good Aegon can be, and he does look overs at The Golden Eagle odds of $21 (at publish).
The Sacred Falls gelding won each of his first five career starts, including the Karaka Millions 3YO race and the Group 2 Hobartville in the autumn of this year.
His resuming effort this time for fourth in the Memsie Stakes was full of merit, but he was flat in the Makybe Diva Stakes last time.
Regardless, I am happy to give him another chance third-up.
The Golden Eagle Suggested Bets
- 4 Units straight out #2 I’m Thunderstruck
- Boxed Trifecta of the selections below
