The Golden Eagle – 2022

Track: Good-Soft   Weather: Mostly Sunny

Twenty-four runners (four of which are emergencies) have accepted for the $10,020,000 Golden Eagle and there has been one early scratching.

The top three from the Silver Eagle were exempt from the ballot for this race, but it hasn’t panned out for them with the barrier draw, with Vilana ($18.00) drawing barrier 23 and Mr Mozart ($21.00) drawing barrier 22. Brigantine drew well but he has been scratched.

We have two international runners entered for the race in Light Infantry ($4.00) the early favourite and the controversial inclusion of Welwal ($18.00).

The Tristarc Stakes winner Chain of Lightning ($6.00) is yet to finish outside of the top 3 in all of her seven starts, with six of those being wins.

1. Overpass (3)

He is coming off a 2.8-length sixth in the Everest which is quite credible against that class of horse. He has always been thereabouts though he has had just three runs at 1400m or longer and run no better than fourth in his two-year-old year. Hard to have.

2. Converge (16)

Just hasn’t come up this preparation. Hard to take him.

3. In The Congo (4)

He ran second in the Sydney Stakes behind Rocketing By which was a nice run, and he will appreciate the improving track. He has drawn a nice gate with the right jockey on, and if you like him, take him, cause he is as honest as they come with conditions suiting.

4. Vilana (24)

Won the Silver Eagle well by two lengths and was set for a big run here prior to the barrier draw. Although the draw casts some doubt in my head, the pace will be on and if they can get him into a nice position early on, he will be brought into the race nicely.

5. I Wish I Win (14)

Was going for three wins on the trot entering the Toorak Handicap and he fell short, finishing 1.6 lengths back in fifth after coming from near last. The improving track suits him down to the ground and he has drawn to get a nice run with a smart ride. Should be thereabouts.

6. Mr Mozart (23)

Placed in the Silver Eagle but now gets to a nicer distance at a track he generally performs well at. He has drawn wide though which won’t suit at all, so he will need a lot of luck.

7. Hilal (17)

Can’t take him on his recent form.

8. Military Expert (19)

I don’t think he handled Moonee Valley in that type of grade last time out, especially in the wet. He gets an improving track, but a very tough draw and he is another who is going to need a lot of luck.

9. Lightsaber (15)

Can’t have him on his recent form.

10. Pinstriped (22)

He was just fair in the Toorak Handicap and I have queries that he can handle a strong 1400m+ race against quality horses. Poor draw doesn’t help his cause.

11. Brigantine (7)

SCRATCHED

12. Light Infantry (8)

First up after 76 days. Raced well in France before coming over. Jamie Spencer rode him in all of his five career starts and is in Australia to ride him again. Conditions should suit him and the draw is ideal. Goes close if he brings his overseas form.

13. Welwal (9)

First up after 146 days. Former French galloper who has won three races in seven starts. Two trials in Australia have been okay. Big watch.

14. Hinged (20)

I wish she had drawn a gate, cause she would go very close here, instead she drew wide and will likely head to Melbourne with the better draw (you would think). She was fantastic in both the George Main and the Epsom, running third in both. With even luck, she goes close.

15. Fangirl (21)

Drawn poorly here and drawn better in Melbourne, so you would think she might head down there. With a good run and a nicer draw, she would go pretty close.

16. Chain of Lightning (2)

She was an impressive winner of the Tristarc Stakes, winning it by almost two lengths. She has drawn ideally to get a nice run throughout and with Jamie Kah down to ride, she will likely get a peach of a ride. Big chance.

17. Gypsy Goddess (6)

First up after 147 days. She is 2/2 first-up and she is proven at Group 1 level, but it has been over further. Place chance.

18. Lady of Honour (13)

She is a bit one-dimensional and will have a hard time from the draw.

19. Lavish Girl (11)

Another who might struggle if she doesn’t sit handy and there is a good chance she is going to have a torrid run.

20. Hope In Your Heart (10)

Going for four wins on the trot following her win in the Angst Stakes. She will need to hit a new level to win.

21e. Cardinal Gem (5)

Going for three on the trot and now he definitely gets a run. He won the Weekend Hussler by almost a length after travelling wide without cover throughout. He will need to hit a new level here.

22e. Jimmy The Bear (18)

Looks outclassed.

23e. Flying Crazy (12)

Looks outclassed.

24e. Kiss Sum (1)

Looks outclassed.

The following are the top 4 selections for this year’s race.

Josh’s Tips	Jo’s Tips
16 Chain of Lightning	16 Chain of Lightning
14 Hinged	5 I Wish I Win
12 Light Infantry	17 Gypsy Goddess
5 I Wish I Win	12 Light Infantry