We don’t know really his limits’: Trainer Jerome Reynier says Lazzat is ready to soar in 2024 Golden Eagle
Unbeaten French galloper Lazzat will be an unknown quantity for many Australian punters in Saturday’s $10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) but in a way, the same could be said for his trainer Jerome Reynier.
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Unbeaten French galloper Lazzat will be an unknown quantity for many Australian punters in Saturday’s $10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) but in a way, the same could be said for his trainer Jerome Reynier.
Reynier knows he’s got a top class galloper on his hands but just how good? The French conditioner is still waiting to find out.
Lazzat has won a perfect six from six to start his career in assertive fashion and snared a maiden Group 1 success last start in the Group 1 Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville.
His ability will be put to the test again at Rosehill Gardens this weekend.
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“I am not sure (how good he is) and he has been keeping plenty in hand as well,” Reynier said.
“We don’t really know his limits and maybe we won’t be able to know on Saturday because it is a tricky race with a lot of runners on a tight track and I don’t think it’s ideal for him.
“But obviously we won’t be judging him on Saturday because it’s a big challenge and we are hoping for the best.”
Lazzat has shown Reynier ‘he’s one of the best in Europe’ but the gelding faces a new challenge against some of Australia’s best, as well as Japanese stars Ascoli Piceno and Corazon Beat.
• Lake Forest’s ‘fresh legs’ key to Golden Eagle hopes, trainer William Haggas says
Reynier is returning to Australia 17 years after visiting the country as part of the Godolphin Flying Start program and has since forged an outstanding career as a trainer since taking out his trainer’s licence in 2013.
The Group 1-winning conditioner hasn’t been afraid to travel his horses during his career but is breaking new ground with Lazzat as his first Australian runner.
Support from one of his rivals on Saturday has made the trip seamless.
“William Haggas has been very helpful to me,” Reynier said.
“We have been planning to me. We have been talking a lot and planning it with his horse.
“They’ve (Lazzat and Lake Forest) been working together on the turf back at Newmarket before flying down here.“
Italian-born jockey Antonio Orani will arrive in Australia to pilot Lazzat in the Golden Eagle.
Originally published as We don’t know really his limits’: Trainer Jerome Reynier says Lazzat is ready to soar in 2024 Golden Eagle