While the decision to compete with The VRC on their biggest day of pure racing in Derby Day is questionable, you can’t argue with the quality of the field in the inaugural running of the 7.5 million dollar Golden Eagle for 4yo’s run over 1500m. Will it encourage more of the gun 3yo colts to race at 4 ? Time will tell but here is our preview of this years race.
The barrier draw has played havoc with early markets as leading hopes such as Brutal (17) drifting and onetime hot favourite Arcadia Queen ( 5) reclaiming her spot at the top of betting. With 5 of the 17 under double figures and the rest between $21 and $201 another question could be should there be tougher qualifications of getting a start to ensure a competitive affair?
Speedmap; I can’t see much choice for Brutal & Sunlight other than to try and cross from outside otherwise they are going to be too far back or posted very deep. The rest of the field will be jockeying for the gun runs in behind them unless one of the roughies wants to roll the dice.
Main Chances
1. Brutal (17); Couldn’t of drawn worse. It’s too good a field to come from that wide in my opinion. Has a 2nd to Winx at this distance but that was with a light weight in a small field. Has the ability but will need a tonne of luck.
2. Classique Legend (1) ; Coming from the Everest where he was well regarded and didn’t have much luck , only getting out late and attacking the line strongly. Was set for the 1200m and unknown over further . From draw won’t do any work but will need luck late again .
3. Kolding (4); Used his lightweight to advantage in the 1600m Epsom, holding off all challengers including a Cox Plate place getter. Not as suited at the weights but has the race fitness edge and drawn to get every chance. Big show.
4. The Inevitable (3); Hardest test to date and untried in this distance range but no denying his ability and has a real will to win. He is only small so set weights might be an issue but you can never rule out horses who always give 100%.
15. Arcadia Queen; The bubble burst when she failed in the Everest . 1200m at the highest level was always an ask but now we are left wondering if she is carrying any mental damage. Draw is perfect, jockey should get cover midfield and choose his moment to pounce. This was always her grand final and Waller is a genius in getting horses to peak on the right day. Punters have gone chips in since the barrier draw, Top tip but think longer odds will be available race day.
Best Outsider
Gem Song (9); Ran a competitive 4th in the Epsom behind Kolding . Proven in this distance range and in form. Has been set for this from the beginning of prep. $67 vs $5 suggests it’s great value as a blow out / place chance.
Internationals
No’s 11 12 13 ; The International stayers have proven to be a class above. The sprinters noncompetitive . Here we meet in the middle . I honestly have no idea and can be only guided by the market which gives them very little chance. Most likely have to be included for place in wide novelties as I’m sure they wouldn’t be here if they were hopeless.
Tips 15 Arcadia Queen , 3 Kolding , 5 Gem Song , 2 Classique Legend
Novelties
1st 15
2nd 1 2 3 4 5
3rd 1 2 3 4 5 17
4th 1 2 3 4 5 8 12 17
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