The Golden Eagle 2021 – tips, preview and runner by runner

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There is a full field of 18 runners plus 4 emergencies for the $7,500,000 Golden Eagle. There are 12 geldings (three are emergencies), five entires and five mares (one is an emergency). Four of the field plus an emergency had their last start in the Silver Eagle on 9 October, one and an emergency in a 1400m Open SW&P at Eagle Farm on 9 October and two had their last start in the Epsom Handicap on 2 October. Three of the mares had their last start in the inaugural running of The Invitation on 23 October while the other runners all came through different races. Three of the runners are international horses having their first Australian start. Peter & Paul Snowden, Richard & Michael Freedman and Annabel Neasham have two runners each. Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) also have two but one is an emergency, and Chris Waller has four but three are emergencies.

The early favourite is I’m Thunderstruck who has has four wins and two places from six runs this campaign and comes off a win in the Group 1 Toorak Handicap. Second favourite is Private Eye who has won eight of 13 starts and comes off a win in the Group 1 Epsom Handicap last start. Third favourite is Apache Chase who has won seven of his 16 starts and has won both starts in Queensland this campaign.

Ellsberg was a close 2nd in the Silver Eagle, and has only been out of the trifecta once in 11 starts.  Count De Rupee was 0.6 length 3rd in the Silver Eagle after being severely checked. Maximal has raced in the UK and is making his Australian debut but has the outside barrier. Vangelic was 5th in The Invitation. Atishu is a mare with a great record but has drawn very wide, while Laws Of Indices is another making his Australian debut and is a Group 1 winner.  All other runners are currently 30 to 1 or longer.

1. Private Eye

This Al Maher gelding trained by Joe Pride has won eight of 13 starts and comes off a win in the Group 1 Epsom Handicap last start. He has drawn wide but that should not be a major concern as he gets back in his races and has a tremendous finishing burst. Should be flying home late and is one of the main chances.

2. I’m Thunderstruck

This Shocking gelding has four wins and two places from six runs this campaign and comes off a win in the Group 1 Toorak Handicap. At the start of this preparation he was a 3.5 length winner of a Class 1 at Sale so he has come a long way. A very talented galloper who should be in the finish.

3. Aegon

Won his first four starts in New Zealand then won the Group 2 Hobartville Stakes over 1400m at this track at his Australian debut. Since then he has been unplaced four times in Group 1 races and had blood in a nostril last start. Is capable of bouncing back but the wide barrier is no help.

4. Apache Chase

Has won seven of his 16 starts and has two starts for two wins this campaign. He won the Weetwood Handicap at Toowoomba then a 1400m race at Eagle Farm where he won by 1.5 lengths with a gap of another 2.3 lengths back to 3rd. Will probably lead or box seat and should be in the finish.

5. Aysar

This Deep Field stallion was runner-up in the Caulfield Guineas, Carbine Club Stakes, Manfred Stakes and CS Hayes Stakes last season but has been unplaced in four runs this campaign. Not the worst.

6. Aim

One of two runners for Peter & Paul Snowden. He won at $31 when resuming in the Silver Eagle and goes well second-up. Hasn’t won beyond 1400m but is a place hope.

7. Amish Boy

Only has one win but has placed nine times in his 19 race career. Up in trip and not one of my picks.

8. Exoboom

He is on a seven day back-up after winning the Filante Handicap over 1400m at Randwick last week. Has won at this distance and could place.

9. Ellsberg

This Spill The Beans stallion was a close 2nd in the Silver Eagle, and has only been out of the trifecta once in 11 starts. Has drawn barrier 1 and has a great record at Rosehill. Put him in all your multiples. Key player.

10. Love Tap

One of two runners for Richard & Michael Freedman. One by 1.3 lengths over this distance at the Rosehill at Kembla Grange meeting on 11 September, then was a length 4th in the Group 2 Shannon Stakes at this track and distance last start. Rough chance.

11. Count De Rupee

Has five wins and six places from six starts and goes well at Rosehill. Was 0.6 length 3rd in the Silver Eagle after being severely checked last start after winning the start before by 2 lengths. Should be in the finish and looks a great each-way chance.

12. Laws Of Indices

One of two runners for Annabel Neasham who are both making their Australian debut. He obviously has ability as he won the Group 1 Prix Jean Prat (1400m) at Deauville in France in July. Has drawn out wide and all his wins have been on soft going. Probably not here.

13. Maximal

A Galielo entire that has raced in the UK and is making his Australian debut but has the outside barrier, also known as the visitors draw. Prefer to see,

14. Reve De Vol

The other Annabel Neasham import having his first Australian start. Has the best barrier draw of the three overseas runners with barrier 7. Looks to be a stayer who may find this too short.

15. Forbidden Love

On a seven day back-up after 3rd in The Invitation. Has five wins from 17 starts and could place.

16. Vangelic

Was 5th in The Invitation and won the Group 2 Golden Pendant over 1400m at this track two starts before that. Wouldn’t be surprised if she ran a place.

17. Media Award

The most lightly-raced runner in the field with only seven previous starts. She won three in a row at the end of last campaign, culminating in the Group 1 Australasian Oaks. She resumed for 3 lengths 8th in The Inviation after being held-up from the 400m to 300m. In with a chance.

18. Atishu

The only runner from the Chris Waller stable that isn’t an emergency. She has two wins from four runs this campaign and is a tough mare who can finish her races strongly. I think she figure in the finish here but barrier 18 makes it tough.

19. Kiku – 1st Emergency

Finished 3rd over 1600m in the Group 3 Angst Stakes last outing. Barrier 21 will make it tough for her if she gains a start.

20. Our Playboy – 2nd Emergency

All his wins have been on wet tracks. Unlikely.

21. Wheelhouse – 3rd Emergency

Unlikely to get a start and this looks too tough.

22. Blondeau – 4th Emergency

Has had eight starts this campaign for two wins, four places and two 4ths. Unlikely to get a start

The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.

Jo’s Tips
2 I’m Thunderstruck
4 Apache Chase
11 Count De Rupee
1 Private Eye

Group 1 Victoria Derby 2021 (Flemington 2500m)

Group 1 Cantala Stakes 2021 (Flemington 1600m)

Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes 2021 (Flemington 1200m)

Group 3 Hotham Handicap 2021 (Flemington 2500m)