UK gelding Seagulls Eleven has forced his way into contention for the $10 million Golden Eagle after producing a determined victory during the Glorious Goodwood carnival. Trainer Hugo Palmer confirmed his interest in a Sydney campaign following the gelding’s gritty win in the Group 3 Thoroughbred Stakes (1609m).

Seagulls Eleven has already showcased his ability on the world stage, having competed at last year’s Breeders’ Cup. Palmer noted the gelding’s adaptability to various track conditions and said the lucrative Australian feature was now firmly on the radar.

“He has taken us around the world and I don’t think the journey is over yet,” Palmer said. “The Golden Eagle in Sydney is a $10 million race—where else can you say that in England? We were worried about the Breeders’ Cup last year because of his temperament, but he handled it really well. He seems to handle any surface, soft or fast, so that gives us great confidence.”

Owned by a group of former Brighton and Hove Albion footballers, Seagulls Eleven is expected to have one more UK run before Palmer turns his focus to the Golden Eagle (1500m) at Rosehill on November 1. “Maybe we’ll run him again here—possibly in the City Of York or the Celebration Mile—but we’ll make that call soon,” Palmer said.

Seagulls Eleven is yet to appear in early Golden Eagle markets, which are currently headed by the Chris Waller-trained Autumn Glow ($3.50) and Lady Shenandoah ($4.50) according to new betting sites.