The Golden Eagle continues to soar with a four-pronged international contingent set for Saturday’s $10m showpiece

The four-pronged international attack on the $10m Golden Eagle is another glowing endorsement on the growing success of the 1500m feature.

The Golden Eagle’s evolution as a race of growing international significance is further enhanced with a record four northern hemisphere-trained horses lining up in the big race at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.

Japan’s talented duo Ascoli Piceno and Corazon Beat, France’s unbeaten Lazzat and England’s Lake Forest will take on the best Australian-trained four-year-olds in the $10m race over the Rosehill 1500m course.

Nevesh Ramdhani, the Australian Turf Club’s Head of Racing and Wagering, said the presence of the four overseas raiders shows the Golden Eagle “seems to be growing year on year”.

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“To have four horses of this quality in the race speaks volumes for the strength of Sydney racing at the moment,’’ Ramdhani said.

“In the short time I have been in this role, we have had so much international interest in Sydney racing and I’m already fielding inquiries about the autumn carnival next year.’’

Ascoli Piceno is the $3.50 favourite with TAB fixed odds to give Japan a second successive Golden Eagle win after Obamburumai’s win last year, the first by an overseas-trained horse since the race’s inception in 2019.

UK raider Lake Forest goes through his paces at Canterbury ahead of Saturday’s Golden Eagle Picture: Rohan Kelly

Ramdhani said Ascoli Piceno, Corazon Beat and Lazzat are all scheduled to have a fast workout on the Canterbury course proper on Wednesday morning to prepare for the Golden Eagle.

Lake Forest was given some crucial barrier practice with a jump-out at Canterbury on Tuesday.

“The four internationals all look in very good shape,’’ Ramdhani said.

“The connections are very happy with their horses going into Saturday.”

Ramdhani said the trackwork facilities at Canterbury give the internationals every chance to be at their best for the Golden Eagle.

“The Polytrack we have at Canterbury has a deeper cushion and is designed specifically for the European horses,’’ Ramdhani said.

“They also have access to the course proper at Canterbury. We can adjust the conditions by putting more water on the track to suit the horses.’’

The overseas quartet are still three-year-olds by northern hemisphere time and receive a weight allowance for the Golden Eagle.

Lazzat and Lake Forest have 56.5kg, which is 1kg less than the local four-year-old entires and geldings, while the fillies, Ascoli Piceno and Corazon Beat carry 54.5kg, which is 1kg less than mares like Joliestar and Stefi Magnetica.

Originally published as The Golden Eagle continues to soar with a four-pronged international contingent set for Saturday’s $10m showpiece