British Classic trailblazer Saffie Osborne eyes upset in The Golden Eagle

Racegoers at Royal Randwick on Saturday will get a front row seat to watch Saffie Osborne in action. Osborne created history by becoming the first woman to win a British Classic when she saluted aboard the Joseph O’Brien trained Highwayman in the St Leger at Doncaster in September.

Amongst others, Osborne has a Group 1 ride in the $10 million Golden Eagle where she will partner the Ciaron Maher trained import Amazing Journey who will be having his first start in Australia in the big race.

And no, Osborne is not taking anyone else’s ride. It’s her ride … as she has partnered Amazing Journey in eight of his eleven starts in England (where the horse was trained by Jamie Osborne, Staffie’s father), including in Amazing Journey’s last start win over 1409m at Ascot on July 25.

In all, Osborne has landed three wins to date on the son of Starspangledbanner.

“I think the biggest asset this horse has got is he has so much speed, but I think he will be an even a better horse when he goes over a mile,” said Osborne, speaking on Racing HQ (Sky Channel).

“This race is over seven-and-a-half furlongs, but I know he is going to see out the trip very well, but he has just got a wicked turn of foot as well.

‘Obviously, the gate is not ideal (barrier 15), but I’m very excited,” continued Osborne.

“He is a very talented horse and if he continues on the same trajectory that he has done all summer in England, then he is going to be seriously competitive.”

This is not Osborne’s first experience of racing in Australia. She spent time working for Gai Waterhouse in 2019 and early 2020 … and also aligned with the Ciaron Maher stable for a three month stint in 2024.