Why Japanese raider will need to create Golden Eagle history

The much-hyped Ascoli Piceno will need to create Golden Eagle history after drawing barrier 17 for Saturday’s $10m Golden Eagle.

No horse has won the Rosehill feature from wider than gate 10 in the previous five editions of the race, and bookies immediately reacted by allowing Ascoli Piceno to drift from $3.50 to $4.50.

Fellow Japanese horse Corazon Beat drew even worse in barrier 19, French galloper Lazzat barrier 12, and William Haggas’ English nugget Lake Forest gate 8.

Ascoli Piceno is regarded as one of the best fillies in Japan and is still expected to attract plenty of admirers on race day with top jockey Joao Moreira in the saddle.

Trainer Gary Portelli, whose horses Encap and Kintyre drew gates one and three respectively, was certainly not prepared to write off Ascoli Piceno or any of the overseas raiders following Tuesday night’s official event at The Star, which featured Brazilian dancers and drummers.

The Golden Eagle trophy

“Every year is different. Those horses have to travel [to Australia] – I’ve travelled horses in the past, and they’ve got a hard gate to deal with,” Portelli said.

“We certainly know what we’re up against, and the European horses – and especially the Japanese horses – if they bring their good ones, I’ve seen them demolish us from time to time, particularly over a bit of ground.

“But while we’re still just under that mile mark, our Aussie horses can match it with anyone. My horses have been up against the best horses around. You have to be confident.

“With my two, if they can just keep railing up and there’s trouble out wide, both horses can be strong at the end of the race.”

Godolphin’s popular and consistent Tom Kitten drew gate two, Bjorn Baker’s Stefi Magnetica four, and Annabel Neasham and Rob Archibald’s Ostraka in 13. Joliestar, the one-time Everest favourite, jumps from gate 11 and is the new $5 second favourite.

2024 Golden Eagle final field

Southport Tycoon 15

Veight 18

Tom Kitten 2

Ostraka 13

Griff 6

Encap 1

Xidaki 10

Chrysaor 14

Kintyre 3

War Machine 7

Port Lockroy 9

Lazzat 12

Craig 5

Lake Forest 8

Stefi Magnetica 4

Joliestar 11

Makarena 20

Skybird 16

Ascoli Piceno 17

Corazon Beat 19