Panja Tower Aims For Aussie Gold In Golden Eagle Raid
Japanese Raider Confirms Golden Eagle Challenge
Panja Tower, the son of Tower of London who shocked connections with his NHK Mile Cup triumph, will spearhead trainer Shinsuke Hashiguchi's ambitious assault on the A$10 million Golden Eagle at Royal Randwick on November 1.
The 3YO bay colt, owned by Deep Creek Co., has compiled an impressive record of three wins from five starts since his debut victory at Chukyo last September. His breakthrough moment came in May when he unleashed a devastating finishing kick to claim his first Group One victory in Tokyo, becoming the first top-level winner for his freshman sire.
"Even before I let him run in NHK Mile C, I was thinking that if he won, he would go to Australia," Hashiguchi revealed, confirming the international campaign that could enhance both horse and stallion reputations on the global stage.
From Maiden Winner To Group One Hero
Panja Tower's rise through the ranks reads like a classic racing success story. Breaking his maiden at first asking over 1200 metres at Chukyo, he immediately stepped up to Group Two company in the Keio Hai Nisai Stakes at Tokyo, where his signature closing speed delivered victory by a neck.
The colt's explosive turn of foot was on full display in the NHK Mile Cup, where he survived a frantic four-horse finish. Settling mid-pack before unleashing the fastest closing speed in the field, he prevailed by a head in a thrilling climax that established him as a legitimate international prospect.
Bred at Champions Farm in Hokkaido from the unraced mare Clarksdale, Panja Tower carries the bloodlines of Japanese Derby winner Logi Universe through his granddam Acoustics, adding further weight to his pedigree credentials.
Strategic Track Selection Drives Australian Mission
The Golden Eagle's relocation from Rosehill Gardens to Royal Randwick for 2025 proved instrumental in Hashiguchi's planning. "It's wider than Rose Hill Garden, and the straight lines are longer, so I think it will suit Panja Tower," the trainer explained, highlighting how track configuration influenced his decision.
The world's second richest race on turf after the Gr.1 The TAB Everest boasts a unique charitable component, with 10% of the A$10 million prize fund donated to connections' chosen causes. Japanese raider Obamburumai claimed victory in 2023, providing a successful template that influenced Hashiguchi's thinking.
"Of course, that's true. I knew that Japanese horses were suitable for me, and I talked to the owner and the person in charge of Ohbamburumai. After that, I decided it was a good race to aim for," Hashiguchi revealed, acknowledging how the previous Japanese success provided confidence in his own horse's chances.
Direction Doubts Dismissed After Sapporo Success
Previous concerns about Panja Tower's ability on clockwise tracks were addressed by his commanding Keeneland Cup victory at Sapporo in August. When questioned about whether this directional challenge influenced his Australian expedition plans, Hashiguchi provided a detailed response.
"No. It just so happened that he didn't have a good record clockwise, but looking at his training movements, it doesn't mean he's particularly bad at clockwise. That's why, regardless of the results of the previous race, I was thinking of going ahead with this expedition," the trainer explained pragmatically.
Hashiguchi's preparation philosophy remains unchanged despite the international challenge. "Of course, when it comes to training, I won't do anything special with clockwise in mind," he noted, emphasising his confidence in the horse's natural ability.
The trainer's confidence extends beyond directional concerns to the horse's travel adaptability. "He's a horse that is resilient to changes in the environment, so I'm not particularly worried about transportation," he noted, emphasising the colt's temperament for international campaigns.
Stallion Reputation Rides On Australian Results
The campaign carries profound implications for Tower of London, who captured the 2019 Sprinters Stakes and now stands his first crop at stud. "I think his value as a stallion will increase greatly depending on the results of Panja Tower. It's a big responsibility," Hashiguchi acknowledged.
Success in Australia would establish Tower of London among the elite young sires while potentially opening doors to lucrative international breeding opportunities, adding another dimension to what already represents a significant undertaking for the Hashiguchi stable.
The trainer comes from a distinguished racing lineage, with his father Kojiro Hashiguchi having won the Japan Derby (Group One) in 2014 with One and Only. However, Shinsuke's motivation draws from a broader competitive perspective that encompasses global racing excellence.
Departure Plans Finalised With Global Vision
Following conditioning work at Ritto Training Centre, Panja Tower will enter quarantine at Champion Hills on September 26 before his October 12 departure for Australia. Regular exercise rider Mr.Igarashi will accompany the horse, ensuring continuity in preparation and familiarity during the crucial overseas campaign.
Hashiguchi's conditioning approach remains consistent with his domestic preparation. "There is no particular change in what we do," the trainer confirmed, suggesting confidence in his established methods translating to international success.
"As for the strategy, there is a gate number order, so I'm thinking of consulting with the jockeys once those are decided," Hashiguchi explained, demonstrating his adaptability to local conditions while maintaining strategic flexibility for race day tactics.
The trainer's global ambitions extend well beyond Australia, with comprehensive international expansion plans already under consideration. "Next year, we are considering an expedition to Saudi Arabia and the United States. In any case, it will depend on the results in Australia this time," he revealed, indicating how the Golden Eagle represents a crucial stepping stone in a broader international strategy.
"I am inspired by all the horsemen who are active around the world. I am motivated by the idea that 'we cannot afford to lose.' We will do our best to carry out our work well in Australia as well," Hashiguchi concluded.
"He's the type of horse that improves once he runs a race, so I'm sure he'll be in even better shape this time than he was in the last race," the trainer added, expressing confidence as the countdown to the Golden Eagle begins.