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| Staff Writer |
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The stage is set for an enthralling renewal of the Gr.1 Golden Eagle at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday, with a stellar international contingent headlined by Japanese superstar Ascoli Piceno set to take on the local brigade in the 1500m contest.
The Japanese charge, spearheaded by Joao Moreira-piloted Ascoli Piceno, looks formidable as they aim for back-to-back victories following Obamburumai's triumph last year. Fellow Japanese contender Corazon Beat joins unbeaten French campaigner Lazzat and English challenger Lake Forest in a powerful overseas quartet.
Fresh from conquering The US$20m Gr.1 Everest with Bella Nipotina, trainer Ciaron Maher launches a two-pronged attack with Group One winners Southport Tycoon and Griff. Southport Tycoon, already successful in the Australian Guineas and Manikato Stakes, enters the race following a creditable third in the Gr.3 Sydney Stakes.
"Up to 1500m in a race where there should be some pressure, is perfect for him and this has been a target all prep while the Manikato was a bonus," said Maher's assistant trainer Johann Gerard-Dubord.
Champion trainer Chris Waller, fresh from Via Sistina's Cox Plate triumph over Japanese raider Prognosis, relies on Joliestar to maintain local pride. The Group One-winning daughter of Zoustar enters the race following an unlucky run in The Everest.
"Joliestar has come through her unlucky run in Gr.1 Everest well, she's bright and well and 1500 metres will be no problem," Waller said.
The Golden Eagle, inaugurated in 2019, has quickly established itself as one of Australia's premier races. Previous winners include Kolding (2019), who went on to capture the All-Star Mile, and Colette (2020), who later claimed the Gr.1 Empire Rose Stakes. I'm Thunderstruck (2021) added further Gr.1 success in the Makybe Diva Stakes, while last year's winner Obamburumai put Japan on the map with a commanding performance.
Meanwhile, Maher's excellent spring campaign continues to flourish with Okita Soushi securing a Melbourne Cup berth following victory in the Gr.2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup. The Irish-bred stayer, formerly trained by Joseph O'Brien, demonstrated his staying credentials with a gutsy win under Billy Egan.