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| Staff Writer |
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Lazzat, the unbeaten French sprinting sensation, is set to bypass the Prix de la Foret at ParisLongchamp in favour of a bold tilt at the Golden Eagle in Australia next month.
The 3YO gelding, trained by Jerome Reynier, has taken the European racing scene by storm this season, racking up six consecutive victories. His most recent triumph saw him graduate to Group One level with a scintillating performance in the Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville.
While the Gr.1 Prix de la Foret on Arc weekend seemed an obvious target, connections have opted for a more ambitious plan. Lazzat is now set to begin his quarantine period in preparation for the US$6.4 million Golden Eagle at Rosehill on November 2.
Reynier confirmed the exciting plans: "He's going for the Golden Eagle in Sydney, so he's not going to run in the Foret. Tomorrow morning he's going to Newmarket to start his quarantine, he stays in quarantine before taking a flight to Sydney on October 13, he will be there on the 15th, he will be released from quarantine on the 29th and will be racing on November 2."
The Golden Eagle, a 1500-metre contest restricted to four-year-olds in the Southern Hemisphere (Northern Hemisphere three-year-olds), has quickly established itself as one of Australia's most prestigious races since its inception in 2019. Previous winners include Kolding, who went on to claim the Group One George Main Stakes, and I'm Thunderstruck, later successful in the Gr.1 Makybe Diva Stakes.
Lazzat's connections are clearly relishing the challenge of competing on the global stage. Reynier added: "It's quite exciting. It will be a change of environment and he needs to adapt to so many variables, but if he arrives safe and happy there, I think he will have a good chance. He's one of the best sprinters in Europe and is unbeaten in six starts, so it's a very exciting prospect and an exciting challenge."
The son of Territories has shown remarkable versatility in his brief career, winning on good to soft ground at Chantilly and scorching the turf on good to firm at Deauville. This adaptability could prove crucial as he prepares to tackle the typically firm Australian tracks.
As Lazzat embarks on his globe-trotting adventure, the racing world will be watching with bated breath to see if this European star can conquer the Southern Hemisphere and add his name to the illustrious list of Golden Eagle winners.