Words by Ray Thomas, Newscorp Racing Editor
Trainer John Sargent says there’s a State-of-Origin feel to the $7.5 million Golden Eagle (1500m) at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.
Sargent will saddle up talented duo Brandenburg and Emeralds in Sydney’s second richest race against some formidable nationwide opposition.
“The Golden Eagle is a great race for four-year-olds, it is keeping horses in work and in Sydney,’’ Sargent said.
“There’s the horse from Queensland, Alligator Blood, the two from Western Australia, Superstorm and Windstorm, plus the Victorians, Groundswell and Sierra Sue, they are coming from everywhere.
“This race has a State-of-Origin feel to it but I’m hoping we can keep the trophy in Sydney, particularly after Melbourne Storm won the (NRL) Grand Final.
In latest TAB Fixed Odds betting ahead of Tuesday’s crucial Golden Eagle barrier draw, Sargent’s two entries are at $15 behind favourite Funstar at $4.50.
Sargent said he will send two fit, in-form horses to Rosehill on Saturday knowing both will handle the expected soft track conditions.
“Brandenburg likes Rosehill and loves the wet, and so does Emeralds,’’ Sargent said.
In latest TAB Fixed Odds betting ahead of Tuesday’s crucial Golden Eagle barrier draw, Sargent’s two entries are at $15 behind favourite Funstar at $4.50.
Sargent said he will send two fit, in-form horses to Rosehill on Saturday knowing both will handle the expected soft track conditions.
“Brandenburg likes Rosehill and loves the wet, and so does Emeralds,’’ Sargent said.
“I’m not overly concerned about the barrier draw as Emeralds will be midfield early, that’s the closest she will be.
“A good draw for Brandenburg would be nice, somewhere between five and eight preferably as he will settle closer, but if he gets a wide barrier he does have good early speed.’’
Sargent confirmed Jason Collett will ride Emeralds and Regan Bayliss has picked up the mount on Brandenburg.
Collett rode both horses at their most recent runs with Emeralds scoring impressively in the Group 3 Angst Stakes and Brandenburg running a competitive race when eighth behind Probabeel in the Group 1 Epsom Handicap.
“Emeralds was very good in the Angst Stakes and we were thinking about sending her to Melbourne for the Empire Rose Stakes,’’ Sargent said.
“But after discussing the options with (owner) Johnathon Munz, he said the Golden Eagle is on your back doorstep and we may as well run at Rosehill.
“Brandenburg ran well in the Epsom, he wasn’t beaten far, and that seems the right formline for this race.’’
Original Source: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/superracing/brandenburg-and-emeralds-take-on-interstate-invasion-in-golden-eagle/news-story/81f1785c52cb73746d65f0e5c775ad84
