The shift of the $10 million Golden Eagle from Rosehill to Randwick attracted plenty of debate, but for co-trainer Tom Charlton, the move couldn’t have come at a better time.

Charlton, who trains in partnership with John O’Shea, will saddle up talented four-year-old Linebacker, a galloper who has consistently produced his best form at Randwick.

The son of Super Seth snapped a run of outs when scoring a strong victory in the $1 million Silver Eagle (1300m) at Randwick last start. That win was his first since capturing the Group 1 Randwick Guineas (1600m) back in March, further reinforcing his affinity with the course.

“His best form is at Randwick, he won the Randwick Guineas, which is not too dissimilar to the Golden Eagle, and obviously he won last start over 1300,” Charlton said. “Being at Randwick we’re very happy about and now we just need a few things to go our way.”

Linebacker is regarded as a key danger to Autumn Glow, the unbeaten Chris Waller-trained mare who heads the market for the Golden Eagle. Autumn Glow drew a midfield barrier, while Linebacker drew perfectly in gate five. Japanese Group 1 winner Panja Tower will jump from barrier four, directly to Linebacker’s inside.

Linebacker signaled he was ready to peak when producing a strong trial at Randwick on October 7, defeating Overpass and Ka Ying Rising. He then franked that work with a decisive 2.5-length victory in the Silver Eagle on October 18. Charlton believes there is still more to come.

“He was a little bit fresh before the race, which was good to see, so there would be no doubt there should be a bit of improvement and getting to a trip where he should be most effective,” Charlton said.

“Everyone seems so happy with him at home and we’re looking for to it.”

Zac Lloyd, who has partnered Linebacker at his past four starts including both his Randwick Guineas and Silver Eagle victories, will again take the ride in the Golden Eagle.

If you’re planning to have a bet on the Golden Eagle, make sure to compare odds and bonuses at Australia’s top betting sites before placing your wagers.