2024 Golden Eagle betting ‘virtually one-way traffic’: Massive wager taken on international runner

An international runner has been sensationally backed to win nearly $500,000 in a single bet on the Golden Eagle at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.

Japanese raider and race favourite Ascoli Piceno has been sensationally backed to win nearly $500,000 in a single bet on the Golden Eagle at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.

TAB Fixed Odds spokesman Tim Ryan said it had been “virtually one-way traffic” for punters wanting to get on Ascoli Piceno to win the $10 million Golden Eagle.

One punter has placed a huge wager of $98,000 at $4.60 and stands to collect $450,800 if Ascoli Piceno wins.

A Group 1 winner in Japan, Ascoli Piceno – who will carry saddlecloth number 19 in the big race – had been the long-time Golden Eagle favourite until she drew barrier 17 on Tuesday.

Ryan said he was prepared to risk Ascoli Piceno given the filly is not familiar with local punters, she has a wide barrier and the low saddlecloth.

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“Ascoli Piceno was $4.50 post-barrier draw and I got her to as wide as $6 but then there has been an avalanche of money for the filly,’’ Ryan said.

“It’s been virtually one-way traffic with punters wanting to back her, including that biggest bet we had so far on the race of $98,000 at $4.60.

“She got into $3.70 at one point today but bottomed out there and I have her as the $3.80 favourite now.

“I’d be tempted to push her out again on race day but she has certainly been very popular and holds nearly 60 per cent of our total hold on the race.’’

• EXPERT TIPS: Professional punter James Molony’s tips, race-by-race analysis for Golden Eagle Day at Rosehill

Ryan said there has also been good support for unbeaten French star Lazzat who has firmed from $6.50 into $6, and he expects punters on Saturday to rally behind local mare Joliestar at $5.50.

“I also think we will see good support for Tom Kitten, he’s got a soft gate, punters love him and he’s solid at $10,’’ Ryan said.

“There has been good money for Craig at longer odds, he’s $19 into $14, but we have not had a dollar for the English horse, Lake Forest ($34), or the other Japanese runner, Corazon Beat ($71).

Originally published as 2024 Golden Eagle betting ‘virtually one-way traffic’: Massive wager taken on international runner