Golden Eagle tips: Ray Thomas and Ron Dufficy preview each runner in the $7.5m race
Funstar is the favourite to land the $7.5m Golden Eagle, but how do Ray Thomas and Ron Dufficy rate her chances against a star-studded line-up? The pair debate the chances of each runner in the big race at Rosehill Gardens.
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The Daily Telegraph’s racing editor Ray Thomas and Sky Thoroughbred Central’s form expert Ron Dufficy debate the chances of every runner in the $7.5 million Iron Jack Golden Eagle (1500m) at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.
1. ALLIGATOR BLOOD
Dufficy: He is a quality galloper, suited at the set weights with his high rating. I thought he did enough finishing second in the Silver Eagle with improvement to come. He’s third-up and the distance suits him but the query is the wet track, with no experience in these conditions. He also has a bit of work to do from the barrier.
Thomas: Alligator Blood is a Group 1 winner at 1600m of the Australian Guineas last season and his two runs back this spring have been solid without being spectacular. His Silver Eagle effort, when second to Flit, was indicative of a horse looking for the 1500m of the Golden Eagle. Very talented and, if he handles the wet track conditions, he will be in the finish.
2. BRANDENBURG
Dufficy: This horse wasn’t far off them in the Epsom (finishing eighth) and he has had a tick-over trial since. He won the Hobartville over 1400m on a soft 7 and was placed in a Doncaster Mile on a heavy 8 in the autumn. Those credentials could easily stack up here.
Thomas: Brandenburg has been racing well this spring, his third in the Bill Ritchie Handicap behind Probabeel was good and so was his Epsom effort. His trial at Hawkesbury recently has him right on target for the Golden Eagle. If he gets some luck from his wide barrier, he will be very effective as he does have impressive wet track form.
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3. SUPERSTORM
Dufficy: He’s a talented Western Australian who is coming off four Group-class runs in Melbourne, three at Group 1 level where he has been more than competitive, including his third in the Toorak Handicap last start. While he is bred to handle the wet conditions I would prefer a firmer surface for him but he’s a very talented, strong horse.
Thomas: Superstorm has drawn wide out but he does settle back in his races. He came from near last on the turn and ran on powerfully along the inside to finish third in the Toorak. He did run second to Alligator Blood in the Australian Guineas earlier this year. Although he’s coming back slightly in trip for the Golden Eagle, with luck in running he will be very competitive.
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4. DAWN PASSAGE
Dufficy: He’s a good horse who resumed with a very solid effort when third in the Silver Eagle. He has had a tick-over trial since where he ran well. He loves the Rosehill track but he does prefer soft over heavy.
Thomas: A heavy track is a concern but he gets through soft conditions. He won the Hawkesbury and Scone Guineas double earlier this year and his first-up third in the Silver Eagle was a terrific lead-up for this race. His Warwick Farm trial last Friday has him primed for this race. The wide draw isn’t ideal but he has the early tactical speed to negate the barrier.
5. RIODINI
Dufficy: I don’t mind Riodini. He’s an ex-Kiwi who laid his cards on the table with a very good third in the Epsom Handicap. He has had a nice, easy Gosford trial win since, he’s had two soft track wins in New Zealand and his on-pace racing style really appeals here, particularly from his good draw.
Thomas: Riodini does look hard to beat. The former New Zealander chased home the smart I Am Superman in the Shannon Stakes then ran a blinder in the Epsom to finish third to Probabeel. Dominant in a Gosford barrier trial win, drawn perfectly and he’s unbeaten on rain-affected tracks. There’s a lot to like about his chances.
6. WINDSTORM
Dufficy: Another Western Australian with a terrific winning strike-rate, scoring in seven of his 11 starts in good style. He has a big finish, his soft track form is acceptable and although he has had a busy schedule, I can’t deny his credentials.
Thomas: Windstorm’s successive Caulfield wins, including the Weekend Hussler Stakes, is indicative of his ability. He was a beaten favourite in the Moonga Stakes last start but had excuses. His win strike-rate is impressive and he handles soft tracks very well. From his good draw, he should settle no worse than midfield and should get every chance.
7. RELOADED
Dufficy: Reloaded has had five weeks and a trial since his fifth in the Bill Ritchie. He’s a talented horse when right but still considered a roughie given the depth in this field. I think a few others might be a bit better than him.
Thomas: Reloaded ran third in the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas earlier this year so he has the ability to mix it at the top level. I liked his first-up run in the Tramway Handicap when third to Dreamforce then he was baulked in the straight and should have finished closer than fifth to Probabeel in the Bill Ritchie. He’s got the ability but has still only won one race in 10 starts.
8. JUST THINKIN’
Dufficy: I don’t think it matters that this horse has drawn wide out as he makes his own luck racing up on the speed. Many of his rivals like to get back in their races, which will help him a lot. He doesn’t have much wet track experience is the big question mark but he will get his chance as I can see him sliding across without too much trouble from his wide draw.
Thomas: Just Thinkin’ is likely to zoom across from his outside draw and settle on pace, possibly leading. If he can get a “breather” mid race he will take some catching. He ran a good second in the Cameron Handicap earlier this spring and tried hard behind Pancho in the Spring Mile last start. At $61, he is a good each-way chance.
9. BOTTEGA
Dufficy: Bottega gives James Innes Jr another chance to ride a big-race winner. I really like this horse, he should have nearly won both his starts this spring after racing with no luck. He presents perfectly here third-up, in-form, perfect draw that will put him in a good spot. I think he will be very hard to hold out at nice odds.
Thomas: Bottega is a massive chance. He did run a very good second on a heavy track in the Carbine Club Stakes earlier this year so he will handle the wet track. Both his runs this spring have been super, he’s very fit, gets all the favours from his good draw and has the talent to be in the finish.
10. CRIADERAS
Dufficy: Godolphin are very strong in this race with three good chances, including Criaderas. He is a raw talent, he has plenty of upside and I thought he was enormous last week. He will be a very fit horse on a back-up on a testing track. He is huge odds considering what price he has been going around of late.
Thomas: Criaderas is a very promising, lightly-raced Godolphin gelding coming into the Golden Eagle off his fast finishing effort when second to Cuba last week. He’s developing an impressive race record and has a powerful finishing surge. He does get a long way back in his races and need luck in running. His inexperience could also be a factor but he’s an untapped talent.
11. FLIT
Dufficy: Flit was back in the winner’s circle in the Silver Eagle, she has won up to 1600m at Group 1 level, and her form at the top level is more than acceptable. I think she has to be in the mix.
Thomas: Flit handles wet tracks and is back to her best with a determined win in the Silver Eagle. She sat off Alligator Blood and sprinted past him in the straight to win well. Classy mare who rates among the main chances despite her wide draw.
12. FUNSTAR
Dufficy: The extreme outside gate makes it a little tricky for Funstar, obviously, but she is a top-class mare and her wet form is second-to-none in this field. She has trialled nicely since her Epsom second placing and all she has to do is overcome the outside draw and she will be right in the finish.
Thomas: Funstar has been an easing favourite since Tuesday’s barrier draw which has her starting from the outside barrier. Just Thinkin’ is drawn immediately inside Funstar and the mare can follow him across early. Racing well without winning this spring including her game second to arch rival Probabeel in the Epsom. If she gets any sort of luck in running, then her superior wet track form and outstanding ability makes her the one to beat.
13. COLETTE
Dufficy: If we get rain on the day then Colette could be the one to beat because she is strong. She has had a good Hawkesbury trial since running on well when sixth in the Epsom. The timing looks right for her, nice and fresh, she has been untouchable on wet tracks and her strength is going to take her a long way.
Thomas: Colette won the Oaks in the autumn on a heavy track and she will be in her element in the Golden Eagle. Her Epsom effort was very good as she didn’t have much galloping room in the straight. The 1500m trip is a touch short of her best but with the likelihood of a solid race tempo, this mare will be running on strongly.
14. SUBPOENAED
Dufficy: She could be the forgotten horse in this field after one inconclusive effort in a slowly-run Silver Eagle. Her previous win in the Golden Pendant was top shelf and doing no work from that draw will help her chances a lot in this race.
Thomas: I agree, Ronnie, you can make a case for Subpoenaed – actually you can make a case for most of the runners in the Golden Eagle. Subpoenaed was impressive in the Golden Pendant, appreciating the solid tempo before accelerating clear in the straight. As you mentioned, there were excuses for her Silver Eagle effort. Another value runner in a very open race.
15. EMERALDS
Dufficy: Emeralds is a quality mare and to think she is a $31 chance just shows the depth of this race. She was outstanding winning the Angst Stakes last start, soft is OK for her, I would have had her in my numbers from a better draw. I would have preferred her to be minding her own business from an inside draw but she is still a winning chance.
Thomas: Emeralds followed her second placing behind Subpoenaed in the Golden Pendant with her impressive Angst Stakes win. She is in great form and has been well prepared for the Golden Eagle. She handles wet tracks but her wide draw is a concern. Likely to be ridden conservatively early but if the breaks go her way she can run well.
16. SIERRA SUE
Dufficy: I’m finding it hard to line up Sierra Sue but she was fantastic winning second-up there at Flemington. Some very good Victorian judges hold her in high regard, she has the services of Nash Rawiller and from an inside draw I’m very wary of this mare.
Thomas: Five wins from seven starts, effective on soft tracks, drawn the inside barrier, she is a strong finisher – Sierra Sue can win this race. She hasn’t met a field of this quality in her career so far but she has plenty of ability. She’s into $12, which is short enough now, but that is a reflection of the boom on this mare.
17. ALL SAINTS’ EVE
Dufficy: She is a progressive mare with upside, that is her advantage, and I feel she still has a peak performance in her. She won on a very heavy track first-up so a wet track is no issue, she wasn’t beaten far when seventh in the Angst Stakes last start so I can’t say no, especially from her good draw.
Thomas: All Saints’ Eve scored a tough win in the Tibbie Stakes and then was crowded for room when unplaced in the Angst Stakes. She has drawn ideally in barrier three and might be able to settle closer to the speed. Emerging mare and she does handle soft-heavy tracks. She’s another runner at good each way odds.
18. ICEBATH
Dufficy: Icebath was absolutely outstanding at Randwick last Saturday. She finally got some luck and won with ease. If we get a testing track for the Golden Eagle horses with recent runs will be advantaged and she will be a go-to horse for many here.
Thomas: Icebath won by four lengths but importantly was not pushed out at Randwick last week. In fact, she was in cruise control 100m out which suggests she has plenty in reserve for the quick back-up into the Golden Eagle. Promising mare, well drawn and has no issue with track conditions. I can’t rule her out.
GOLDEN EAGLE — INSIDE LINE
Ray Thomas
THE HISTORY
Kolding followed his win in the Epsom Handicap by taking out the inaugural Golden Eagle last year. Trainer Chris Waller has used the blueprint of his Kolding success to prepare favourite Funstar for Saturday’s big race. Funstar also comes out of the Epsom, finishing second behind her arch rival Probabeel but the three weeks between runs has her nice and fresh for the Golden Eagle. Sunlight followed an unplaced run in The Everest to finish a gallant second to Kolding last year. There are no Everest runners backing up in the Golden Eagle. Mizzy won the Golden Pendant and was third in the Silver Eagle before finishing third in the Golden Eagle last year. Subpoenaed is following a similar path this spring, having won the Golden Pendant then finishing sixth in the Silver Eagle.
FAVOURITES
Arcadia Queen was the $3.30 favourite for the Golden Eagle last year and after nearly falling mid-race, she did remarkably well to finish fifth. Kolding started at $6 second favourite and won the race. Another mare, Funstar, is early favourite at $4.80 to win Saturday’s big race with Alligator Blood next at $7.
SPEED MAP
The capacity field should generate pressure and ensure a solid speed. Riodini has drawn barrier seven and is likely to take full advantage of his favourable draw by crossing and leading early. Most of the speed is drawn wide out with Just Thinkin’ coming out of barrier 17, expected to drive forward and potentially take up the running with Riodini taking the sit. Favourite Funstar is drawn outside Just Thinkin’ and could easily come across with that horse and possibly settle outside the leader. Alligator Blood and Icebath have early tactical speed.
TRAINERS
A trio of trainers have three runners each in the Golden Eagle. Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott have Dawn Passage, Riodini and Just Thinkin’, Godolphin’s James Cummings also saddles up three starters with Criaderas, Flit and Colette, and Chris Waller is attempting a second successive Golden Eagle with Funstar, Subpoenaed and Reloaded. Grant and Alana Williams are represented by Superstorm and Windstorm and John Sargent has dual representatives Brandenburg and Emeralds.
JOCKEYS
Sydney’s leading apprentice Tom Sherry has the biggest ride of his career when he rides Icebath in the Golden Eagle. He’s the only apprentice riding in the race. There are two female jockeys riding for the big money – Rachel King on Flit and Kathy O’Hara rides Just Thinkin’. Jason Collett partnered Mizzy into third placing in the Golden Eagle and he rides another mare, Emeralds, in Saturday’s big race.
BARRIERS
From the Rosehill 1500m start there is a run of about 500m to the first turn so inside barriers are vital. Over the last three years, the most successful barriers from the 1500m start are 4 (Bottega), 2 (Subpoenaed), 5 (Icebath) and 1 (Sierra Sue).
RAY THOMAS’S VERDICT
Funstar hasn’t won in three starts this spring but she is racing in top form and is bursting to breakthrough. At her second run back this campaign, she was three-wide without cover in the Theo Marks Stakes and still looked likely to win only to be collared late by Wild Planet. In the Epsom Handicap last start, she drew wide and had to work to get over early then was run down by Probabeel, settling for second again. She has to overcome a horror draw in the Golden Eagle but with front-runner Just Thinkin’ drawn immediately inside her, they could come across together and share the lead. If Funstar gets any sort of luck early, then she is the one to beat, particularly as she is so effective on rain-affected tracks.
Alligator Blood has been set for this race. He’s been placed in his two runs back this spring and has given the impression he is looking for 1500m now. Tough and reliable, Alligator Blood responds well under pressure and he has a terrific winning strike-rate. The only concern is his ability to handle soft-heavy tracks. The worst track he has raced on is a soft 5.
Criaderas is loaded with potential but his inexperience could be a factor. He does lack early speed and will be giving them a big start from the turn but he does have a powerful finishing surge, he’s very fit and handles wet tracks. Riodini finished just behind Funstar when third in the Epsom so he has the right formlines. Drawn ideally, he should get the run of the race and he’s unbeaten in two attempts on soft tracks.
Bottega hasn’t had any luck in his two runs back this spring but he is going very well. He ran second on a heavy track in the Carbine Club Stakes earlier this year so he ticks that important box. From barrier four, he can settle on the speed and get all the favours. He is way over the odds. Superstorm and Windstorm must be respected, Brandenburg and Colette will have their admirers, Flit, Emeralds, Sierra Sue and Icebath are chances. What a race!
RAY’S TIPS
1 FUNSTAR
2 Alligator Blood
3 Criaderas
4 Riodini
Best Outsider: Bottega
Originally published as Golden Eagle tips: Ray Thomas and Ron Dufficy preview each runner in the $7.5m race