New Zealand syndicator Go Racing will be out to plunder the riches on offer at Randwick on Saturday, with their silks to be represented in two of the meeting’s key races.
The Chris Waller-trained Lord Penman will contest the A$10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) where he will have the services of respected Brazilian hoop Joao Moreira.
The son of Contributer made a splash in New Zealand for former trainer Stephen Marsh, winning four and finishing runner-up in two of his seven starts, with his only unplaced effort coming in the $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) at Ellerslie on Champions Day.
He subsequently joined Waller’s leading Sydney barn where he has been runner-up in two of his four starts to date, including last start in the A$1 million Silver Eagle (1300m) to fellow New Zealand-bred Linebacker.
Go Racing General Manager Matt Allnutt holds reserved expectations heading into the meeting after Lord Penman drew barrier 16, but he is hoping Moreira can work his magic from their wide gate.
“We’re realistic with our expectations,” Allnutt said. “We were hoping for a decent draw to give ourselves a chance, but barrier 16 certainly makes it tough.
“One positive though is having Joao Moreira aboard. He rode with great success for Bruce (Marsh) when he was training in Singapore, and I know Bruce is thrilled to have him on the horse. Hopefully he gives him a good ride and gives him every chance.”
10 percent of all prizemoney earned by Lord Penman in the Golden Eagle will be donated to his charity partner, The Sony Foundation Australia.
Go Racing will also be represented by last season’s Gr.1 Queensland Derby (2400m) winner Maison Louis in the Gr.3 Rosehill Gold Cup (2000m).
The highly regarded four-year-old finished third behind Lindermann and Attrition in the Gr.2 Hill Stakes (1900m) last start and is rate a $4.20 second favourite for Saturday’s contest.
“He is a very good horse,” Allnut said of the John O'Shea and Tom Charlton-trained gelding. “There’s a lot in his favour. He’s trained on beautifully, he’s drawn barrier two, he’s back to handicap conditions, and he should get a lovely run throughout. If the gaps appear at the right time, he can be right in the finish.”
Dylan Gibbons, who has ridden him in his last two starts, retains the ride.
Meanwhile, Go Racing will find out on Saturday whether their European import Etna Rosso has made the field for the A$10 million Gr.1 Melbourne Cup, with the six-year-old gelding currently 30th in the order of entry for the 24-horse race.
“He’s an outside chance of making the field but we’re still hanging on to hope,” Allnutt said. “We certainly haven’t given up hope of making the field, and if he does it will be a real highlight.
“There’s a good group of owners ready to fly over if he gets a run, it’s a nervous but exciting wait.” – LOVERACING.NZ News Desk
