Annabel Neasham targets Golden Eagle with new import Fourhometwo

Annabel Neasham will welcome two exciting imports into her stable – one is being set for the Golden Eagle and the other beat last year’s Cox Plate winner Sir Dragonet.

Annabel Neasham celebrates Zaaki’s Q22 win with jockey James McDonald. Photo: Grant Peters/ Trackside Photography.

Warwick Farm trainer Annabel Neasham has welcomed two well credentialed imports that will be targeted at spring feature races including the $7.5m Golden Eagle on October 30.

The two Northern Hemisphere bred gallopers come out of Australia’s Post-Entry Quarantine Facility in Mickleham near Melbourne this week before being transported directly to Neasham’s stables.

“They have done two weeks quarantine here after being able to stay in work while in quarantine at Newmarket so they are pretty fit compared with horses that come out on a general flight.

“These horses have come out here mid-season.

“When they arrive in the stables, it’s going to be just like they have had a freshen rather than us having to start over.

“I’ll know more when I see then but I’m thinking a month or so maybe until a trial but that is going to be up to the horses and how quickly they settle.”

Daring rail run from @BenCoen2 & @JohnnyMurtagh-trained FOURHOMETWO pays dividends in Listed Celebration Stakes at The Curragh.

Third win for the @Goffs1866 Sportsman's Sale grad. Bought by his trainer from Mountain View Stud. 🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/cypfI6SUYX

— ITM (@IREthoroughbred) June 26, 2021

The first of the two new additions is a horse owned in similar interests to Neasham’s Cox Plate favourite Zaaki.

Fourhometwo is a Northern Hemisphere three-year-old that was formerly trained by Johnny Murtagh.

The son of Ajaya has won three of his seven starts with another three placings. His biggest win came at his most recent start, the Listed Celebration Stakes (one mile) at The Curragh on June 26.

“He’s a possible Golden Eagle horse,” Neasham said.

“He’s a really interesting horse, a progressive horse coming off a Listed win.

“He had a solid record in Ireland.

“Some of Zaaki’s owners were in the ownership group in Ireland and they’ve transferred him out here which is really exciting.”

Fourhometwo patiently waits for the right moment to strike and lands the Blackwater Handicap in decisive style for @JohnnyMurtaghpic.twitter.com/eSB3FVRxs7

— Naas Racecourse (@NaasRacecourse) April 26, 2021

Fourhometwo also holds entries for the Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate just like the other international galloper about to come into her care – Numerian.

The son of Holy Roman Emperor was trained by Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Joseph O’Brien and hasn’t won this season but last year he did defeat Cox Plate winner Sir Dragonet in the Listed Devoy Stakes (1m 2f) at Naas.

“The owner races horses in the UK but this is the first one he’s sent to Australia, and he is intrigued by the prizemoney levels,” Neasham said.

“We’re testing the water a bit with this horse.

“He did beat Sir Dragonet early in the season last year, but his form has been a bit patchy this season.

“Maybe a race like the Epsom might suit him.”

Numerian has good handicap form and picks up strongly to down Sir Dragonet in the Listed Devoy Stakes for @JosephOBrien2 and @declanmcdonogh at @NaasRacecourse

Results âž¡ https://t.co/glajGV55GRpic.twitter.com/ORPSHBkudA

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 23, 2020

Originally published as Annabel Neasham targets Golden Eagle with new import Fourhometwo