2024 Golden Eagle runner-up Lazzat set to get chance in lucrative Hong Kong Mile

Previously unbeaten galloper Lazzat found one better in the Golden Eagle but his big money pursuit doesn’t end in Australia.

Lake Forest (inside) edged out Lazzat (middle) in the Golden Eagle. Picture: Jeremy Ng / Getty Images

Brave Golden Eagle runner-up Lazzat looks set to get his opportunity in another big money feature with trainer Jerome Reynier targeting the $HKD36 million Hong Kong Mile (1600m) next month.

Lazzat suffered his first career defeat in Saturday’s $10 million feature at Rosehill Gardens but lost no admirers in defeat with a gutsy second to Lake Forest.

It was Reynier’s first Australian runner and the French conditioner looks poised to continue Lazzat’s preparation with a crack at the Hong Kong International Races at Sha Tin on December 8.

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“I think (we will go to Hong Kong), with that run under his belt and now we can tick him over,” Reynier said.

“We will definitely consider it and will see how he recovers over the next few days.

“Hong Kong will maybe be more pace in the race because they didn’t go so fast in the Golden Eagle and I hate this horse being in front.”

👏 @WilliamHaggas has done it again!

Lake Forest wins the $10 Million Golden Eagle with Cieren Fallon in the saddle!@aus_turf_clubpic.twitter.com/Hr3IR1vG2x

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) November 2, 2024

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Lazzat led the field of 20 runners in the Golden Eagle after Italian-born jockey Antonio Orani elected to push forward when the gelding was slowly out of the gates.

The son of Territories was pressured on speed by Makarena but fought off the challenger halfway down the straight before being run over late by the William Haggas-trained winner.

Lazzat has spent the past few weeks at Canterbury Park. Picture: Jonathan Ng

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“The plan wasn’t to be up front but he was a bit fresh and keen to be back at the races,” Reynier said.

“He missed the break a little bit when he saw the others, he wanted to go with him.

“Antonio wanted go along with him and he took the lead.

“He was nice and easy to the lead, switched legs and was taking good breathes so he was happy but Makarena was challenging early on and it was too early to respond. He has been very brave and courageous to hold that position up to the post.”

Orani will be able to ride Lazzat in Hong Kong despite copping a one-month suspension and $30,000 fine for careless riding over the concluding stages of the Golden Eagle.

He allowed Lazzat to shift out in the home straight when Stefi Magentica loomed to take a run between runners, forcing her to be checked badly and blunder.

The ban will expire before the International meeting.

Originally published as 2024 Golden Eagle runner-up Lazzat set to get chance in lucrative Hong Kong Mile