The Golden Eagle 2022

In a hurry? We’ve listed all the quick facts that you need to know about The Golden Eagle:

This race was brought into the calendar in 2019 by Racing NSW in a further attempt to compete with the Melbourne Spring Carnival, throwing massive amounts of prizemoney to owners, trainers and connections to keep their horses in Sydney. Not only that, but also to turn down lucrative money in breeding possibilities, hoping to extend their horses into a four-year-old season.

Due to its infancy as a race, it is not eligible to have group status. However, the prizemoney on offer is more than enough incentive for connections to consider sending their horse to The Golden Eagle. In 2022, the race will be held on Saturday, October 29th.

The Golden Eagle is a $10,000,000 race for four-year-olds over 1500m and is held at Rosehill Racecourse in Sydney. The race is the third richest race held in Australia, behind The Everest and the Melbourne Cup. Racing NSW announced a $500,000 increase in the prizemoney in October 2021, which now makes The Golden Eagle the second richest race in Australia, behind The Everest ($15m), but now above the Melbourne Cup ($7.75m).

The connections of each horse in the race get to select a charity which receives a donation in the amount of 10% of the prize money that they win. The winner receives $4,100,000 of the total prize pool, with $410,000 of that going to their selected charity and $3,690,000 going to connections.

Held under Set Weights conditions, The Golden Eagle benefits the more experienced and accomplished horses in the race, who have experience competing at a high level under different weights. Regardless of benchmark rating, every horse of each gender will be tasked with carrying the same weight.

I’m Thunderstruck won as $3.50 favourite in 2021, three weeks after winning the G1 Toorak Handicap during the Caulfield Cup Carnival. Colette won the race on a heavy 9 track in 2020 while Kolding won the inaugural Golden Eagle in 2019.

The Golden Eagle is a fairly new race, especially compared to the other Spring Racing Carnival races like the Melbourne Cup and Caulfield Cup. But it’s interesting concept and large amount of prizemoney make it one of the most popular races that most Aussies like to have a casual punt on. Our expert tipsters will put together a short list of The Golden Eagle tips to look out for in the leadup to the big race.

Often attracting the best four-year-olds from around the country, and even from New Zealand, The Golden Eagle tips are often very different amongst tipsters. The field is still yet to be announced, but if you are after The Golden Eagle horse tips already, we will analyse some of the favourites in the futures markets.

The Golden Eagle Tips From Experts

Our tips are now available for the Golden Eagle! Be sure to check out our thoughts for every runner in the 2022 Golden Eagle:

1. Overpass (3) – $21

Chased home Nature Strip first up in The Shorts before close up efforts in the Premiere Stakes and The Everest last start. Will find this easier and gets in well under the set weights conditions but may struggle to run out a strong 1500m.

2. Converge (16) – $51

Has failed to find anything near his best form in three runs to date this prep. Beat Anamoe at G1 level earlier this year, highlighting his talent when on song, but needs to find that form again before he can be included in the numbers in a race like this.

3. In The Congo (4) – $11

Did little first up before being freshened and finishing a gallant second in the Sydney Stakes last start. Another who has beaten Anamoe at G1 level at his best but is a query at the trip and goes straight from the 1200m into this.

4. Vilana (24) – $18

Finished strong to record a dominant win first up in the Silver Eagle. The added journey will be no issue here and Nash sticks with him. The outside gate is no help but the stable is on fire of late and off the strength of his first up win has to be included.

5. I Wish I Win (14) – $11

Won the Testa Rossa at Sandown in fine style two starts ago off the back of a scintillating first up win. Was sent out a solid fav last start in the Toorak and although he didn’t get the chocolates, was far from disgraced. Will appreciate a solid tempo up front here and on recent form looks hard to beat.

6. Mr Mozart (23) – $20

Found one better first up in the Theo Marks and again last start in the Silver Eagle. Will roll forward from the wide draw and try make his own luck on speed but happy to go around him here.

7. Hilal (17) – $81

No match last start in the Toorak after a poor performance in the Rupert Clarke the start prior. Racing below his best but is capable of bobbing up at a price if he turns up and puts his best foot forward.

8. Military Expert (19) – $71

On the seven day back up here after finishing down the track last Saturday at Moonee Valley. Form prior was very good and he will appreciate a dryer surface here. The big question is how much that run took out of him, and whether he can handle the travel and quick turn around.

9. Lightsaber (15) – $126

Hasn’t set the world on fire in four runs back this prep, the latest last Saturday at Moonee Valley. Wouldn’t be out of it on his best form but his recent runs suggest he’s not up to this.

10. Pinstriped (22) – $34

Chased hard and found the line well all three runs this prep, including the Toorak last start where he finished sixth. Looks well suited here with good speed up front and gets a set of winkers on to sharpen him up. Looks huge overs despite the wide gate.

11. Brigantine (7) – SCRATCHED

SCRATCHED

12. Light Infantry (8) – $3.10F

Former UK-trained galloper who brings some strong international form lines into this. He finished a close up second to Inspiral at G1 level last start which reads well for this and the Maher/Eustace stable have had a great deal of success with imports. Big watch here.

13. Welwal (9) – $20

Another international who brings some intriguing form lines. Recent trials suggest he has settled in well and he gets the services of champion hoop, Frankie Dettori. Hard to line up his form but may pay to follow any positive market moves.

14. Hinged (20) – $13

Continued her consistent form last start with a close up third in the Epsom. Finished on the heels of Anamoe the start prior. Ran third in the Coolmore this track/trip in the Autumn and it’s hard to see her not running in the money again here despite the wide draw.

15. Fangirl (21) – $19

Ran super first up in the Winx Stakes behind Anamoe before a couple of fair efforts her past two on wet ground. Will more than likely go back from the gate and can improve sharply here, providing the track is in the good/soft range.

16. Chain Of Lightning (2) – $5.50

Blew her rivals away last start in the Tristarc at Caulfield. Has a brilliant record, with her only loss coming on a Heavy9 surface. Last run suggests the 1500m will suit and she looks one of the main hopes here.

17. Gypsy Goddess (6) – $16

Qld Oaks winner who resumes here. Has had two trials in preparation for this, the latest finding the line well under Pike. Unbeaten fresh and will be well suited with plenty of pressure up front. Can return with a bang here.

18. Lady Of Honour (13) – $71

Had a good run and fought on well last time out behind Aegon. Will race in the first few here and handles all conditions but may find the high pressure of this race against her.

19. Lavish Girl (11) – $126

Led them up before fading late to finish midfield in the Silver Eagle last start. Prior form quite good but will cop a lot of pressure up front here and might be found wanting late.

20. Hope In Your Heart (10) – $41

Made it two G3 victories on the hop last start when she won the Angst at Randwick. Flying this prep and is one for one this track/trip. Can continue her good form and run a race at big odds.

21e. Cardinal Gem (5) – $31

Huge win at Flemington two back before another last to first victory at Caulfield last time out. This is tougher now but he continues to improve and should get conditions to suit. Not out of it.

22e. Jimmy The Bear (18) – $61

Didn’t have the best of luck last start at Caulfield but nevertheless ran well. This is tougher but doesn’t run a bad race too often and will be thereabouts if he gains a start.

23e. Flying Crazy (12) – $101

Got back and made steady ground in the Silver Eagle. Looks suited by the rise in trip but needs to find a few lengths on recent outings.

24e. Kiss Sum (1) – $34

Found the line well first up in the Silver Eagle. Winner this track/trip and suited up to 1500m but unlikely to get a run. However, if he does, he’s a definite winning chance at big odds.

The Golden Eagle Trifecta Tips

Winning The Golden Eagle trifecta is not simple, to say the least. But there are definitely tips and tricks that you can consider to make punting a little bit easier.

The Golden Eagle Trifecta Tip 1

Don’t blindly trust other punters, always go with your gut when it comes to choosing your favourites. Do your own research and look at stats into runners you think may have a shot at the The Golden Eagle trifecta.

The Golden Eagle Trifecta Tip 2

If you’re a bit unsure where to start with your research, consider checking out The Golden Eagle form guide – bookies like Sportsbet and Neds have them available year-round.

The Golden Eagle Trifecta Tip 3

Consider placing a box trifecta as opposed to a straight trifecta. A box trifecta is great because it covers you in all combinations of finishing positions, once you’ve chosen three runners. It will cost a bit more money extra to place, but improves your chances of winning The Golden Eagle trifecta by a great amount.

Where to Place The Golden Eagle Trifecta?

You’re able to place The Golden Eagle trifecta through an online bookie – or in store at TAB. Online bookies often offer elite punting services – with plenty of fans placing a box trifecta with the 3 favourites in their bet.

Online bookies are also not subject to business hours or location – which means you’re able to place The Golden Eagle trifecta from your living room! Online bookies also offer a step-by-step guide into placing The Golden Eagle trifecta.

The Golden Eagle betting presents a unique opportunity to find value with some inexperienced horses on the rise, or proven four-year-olds with a point to prove. There are a lot of important factors to consider before betting on The Golden Eagle. Make sure you have a read on below before you place your bets:

Should I Bet On The Favourite in The Golden Eagle?

When looking at the three editions of The Golden Eagle, there has been a sub-$5 favourite in both years. Arcadia Queen finished 5th in 2019 at $3.30 and Funstar finished 17th in 2020 at $4.80. However, I’m Thunderstruck won as $3.50 favourite in 2021, being the first favourite to salute.

In 2019, Kolding was actually second favourite at $6 and went on to win while Colette was fourth favourite at $10 when she won last year. While they aren’t favourites, both were in the top four in betting and priced at $10 or less, indicating that the punters knew that they were definitely in with a chance.

There is also nothing wrong with backing an outside chance. In 2019, Sunlight (2nd) and Mizzy (3rd) were priced at $26 and $41 respectively while 2020 saw Dawn Passage run a third at $21. The trend continued in 2021 with Count De Rupee ($18) and Vangelic ($31) completing the minor placings. That is some incredible value and with some agencies offering bonus back, there is an opportunity to be a bit more risk averse with your betting.

Formlines from Lead Up Races

Given there has only been three years of The Golden Eagle, it is hard to find certain races that prove more successful than others in the lead up. However, both Colette and Kolding had three runs prior to winning The Golden Eagle and two of those three races happened to be the same.

Both contested the Group Two Tramway Stakes first up, with Kolding finishing 5th and Colette finishing 10th. They both then went to the Epsom third up, with Kolding winning in 2019 while Colette ran sixth. They both then had four weeks between runs after the Epsom, going into The Golden Eagle relatively fresh.

I’m Thunderstruck took a different approach, bringing Melbourne form into the race. He had a seven week freshen before attacking the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes first up, coming third, before then winning the Toorak Handicap. He then had three weeks between that win and his Golden Eagle win.

Gender & Weight

Given The Golden Eagle is run under Set Weights, there are typically only two weights that the race is run at, 57.5kg for colts/geldings and 55.5kg for mares. Kolding and I’m Thunderstruck, both males, carried 57.5kg to victory whilst Colette, a mare, carried 55.5kg.

When looking at the nine horses that have placed in The Golden Eagle, across the three years, there are five mares carrying 55.5kg and four males carrying 57.5kg. In both years, second place has been run by a mare.

The Golden Eagle Best Bets

Our Golden Eagle best bets are out now. Take a look at who we think has a good chance of winning the major race in 2022.

Golden Eagle Best Bet #1: I Wish I Win – $11

The early speed looks electric and the race should set up for something to come from off the pace. With that said I’m going to go the way of I Wish I Win. He was outstanding on debut in Australia when winning in good time at Caulfield, before another dominant victory at Sandown. He was a beaten favourite last start in the Toorak, but still made some good late ground to finish 1.3L off the winner.

Golden Eagle Best Bet #2: Light Infantry – $3.10

UK import, Light Infantry, is an interesting runner and has been well supported. His last start second to Inspiral reads very good for this and he’s come up with an ideal gate. It’s always a risk backing an imported galloper first up in a new country but the stable have had success before with their internationals and he looks the main danger if he can bring his best form to the table here.

Golden Eagle Best Bet #2: Fangirl – $19

Despite the outside draw, Fangirl can improve sharply back on top of the ground. A repeat of her first up second to Anamoe would see her very hard to beat in this.

The Golden Eagle Bet Types

Below is a table that outlines the basics on how to bet on The Golden Eagle:

Long before The Golden Eagle field is officially announced – online bookies will open early markets, or all-in markets, for betting. This is prime time to place a punt on your horse, as you’re able to bet on strong contenders for The Golden Eagle at double-digit odds, with just two horses currently at single-figure odds.

The Golden Eagle odds will obviously fluctuate frequently in the lead up to the race, especially when horses come back to begin Spring and we can get a better idea of how they will be going this preparation.

Punting early on these markets can find you a favourite at prices much higher than their expected starting price, which will retain you a much higher return on investment. However, there is increased risk with doing this and you should be well aware.

Depending on when you place a futures bet on The 2022 Golden Eagle, your horse may not even run but you won’t get your money back, occurring when the market is ‘All-In’ or closer to the starting date.

If you are betting when it says ‘Before Noms’, you have the security of receiving your money back if your horse doesn’t run, but they could return from a spell in terrible form or with an underlying issue, seeing your bet potentially wasted and their odds balloon out even more.

It is still a while away meaning that it is hard to know which four-year-olds will run in the event. Most trainers will hope that their horses can either sprint their way into a slot for The Everest or prove that they can become a stayer and compete in either the Caulfield Cup or Cox Plate. However, we will keep you updated with which horses have this as their target, giving you more confidence to bet in futures markets.

The 2022 Golden Eagle odds are out, and Illation is currently the narrow $8.00 favourite from Light Infantry, who is on the second line of betting at $9.00. Here are the current odds, courtesy of Neds, as of mid-August:

The Golden Eagle field for 2022 is yet to be announced and is still some time away! It is hard to judge which four-year-olds will tackle the race or have other aspirations in the Spring. The final Golden Eagle field and barriers will be announced on Tuesday, October 25th. Until that time we are unable to confirm which horses will run in the race but we will let you know of any news and updates that trainers provide.

In 2019, the first year of the race, there were 16 horses in The Golden Eagle field but in 2020 and 2021 that increased to the capacity of 18.

Looking back at last year’s The Golden Eagle field, there were plenty of Group One winners and talented four-year-olds throughout, including some international four-year-olds brought out specifically for the race.

Have a look a below at the field for the 2021 race:

The Golden Eagle Barrier Draw

While The Golden Eagle barrier draw isn’t the be-all and end-all when it comes to being able to win the race, there are some clear trends that have occurred from the first two years of the race being run.

Kolding won in 2019 from barrier 4, Colette won in 2020 from barrier 6 and I’m Thunderstruck won from barrier 8 in 2021. Does that mean barrier 10 is next??

Maximal was a well fancied type in his Australian debut, considering his UK form, but drew the widest barrier and saw his odds blow out. He wasn’t able to overcome this on the day, finishing 2.55L back in 6th.

With the race yet to be run, we still don’t know what The Golden Eagle results for 2022 will be! However, check back in after the race and we will have all of the information on how the big race went and what the results are.

Looking back at the 2021 Golden Eagle results, I’m Thunderstruck beat home Count De Rupee in a photo, finishing 0.2L ahead. Vangelic was 1.7L back in third, just 0.06L ahead of Apache Chase in fourth.

I’m Thunderstruck was able to jump cleanly and sit midfield throughout the race but needed some luck at the top of the straight. He was fighting for a clear run but was able to get that at the 300m mark and began his descent on the leaders. He was still a length back at the 100m mark but Hugh Bowman kept encouraging him along, and he burst to the line.

You’ve read the words, now watch the video! Have a squiz below at The Golden Eagle race in 2021:

Have a look below at the full results from the 2021 race:

The Golden Eagle Winners

The results for the upcoming The Golden Eagle are not yet available, but in the meantime, you can have a look below at all the recent past winners:

With many star hoops in Melbourne, given this race is on Victoria Derby Day, where there are four Group Ones at Flemington, it gives an opportunity for other jockeys to step up to the plate and seize the moment! To be a Golden Eagle jockey is a massive moment in their career, given the extremely high prizemoney on offer in the race.

In 2021, Hugh Bowman came back to Sydney, after riding Mo’unga in the Cox Plate the week earlier, to guide I’m Thunderstruck to victory. In 2020, little known jockey Koby Jennings steered Colette home to earn connections a $3,690,000 payday, and he will have received a decent chunk of that. In 2019, Glen Boss was lucky enough to be aboard Kolding and take home the chocolates, adding another big name race to his illustrious career.

While this year’s winner is yet to be decided, take a look back at previous winning jockeys of The Golden Eagle:

Given the status and prizemoney surrounding this race, there is no surprise to see the big name trainers dominate the first two runnings of The Golden Eagle. Chris Waller took out the inaugural race in 2019 while James Cummings, for Godolphin, was the winning Golden Eagle trainer in 2020. The training duo of Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) were able to train I’m Thunderstruck into good enough condition to win the race in 2021.

Given it is in the final week of the Spring Carnival, this is often the last race of the preparation for these four-year-olds, being their last effort before being spelled over the summer weeks. That means that The Golden Eagle trainers are doing everything they can to ensure that the horses are at the peak of their powers come raceday.

While this year’s winner is yet to be decided, take a look back at previous winning trainers of The Golden Eagle: