If Frankie Dettori is feeling homesick before the start of the Golden Eagle, he will only need to glance at the barrier stall inside him to see a familiar face.
The champion European hoop will ride in Sydney for the first time on Saturday, linking with Chris Waller-trained import Welwal in the $10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) before heading to Randwick on Melbourne Cup day for the inaugural Big Dance.
He will be joined at Rosehill by another star European rider in Jamie Spencer, who partners Golden Eagle favourite Light Infantry, the two internationally acclaimed jockeys drawing alongside each other, Light Infantry in gate eight and Welwal to his immediate outside.
Six international entries have contested the Golden Eagle in its brief four-year history, Laws Of Indices managing their best result when fifth to I’m Thunderstruck last year.
However, Light Infantry comes to Australia with outstanding Group 1 formlines, including his last-start second to Inspiral at Deauville in August and Spencer says all indications are the horse, now in the hands of Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, has travelled over in a similar vein of form.
“He seems to have taken the trip well and Ciaron and his team are very happy with him so I’m looking forward to the race,” Spencer told Sky Racing at Tuesday’s night’s Golden Eagle barrier draw.
“It’s a different test, it’s 1500 metres around a turn in a 20-runner race versus eight or ten runners in Deauville.
“But he’s an adaptable horse and obviously I’m pleased enough with the draw.”
Dettori’s mount Welwal is a $13 chance for the Golden Eagle and also comes well credentialled being a Group 3 winner over a mile in France.
There has been some controversy around his inclusion after he received a ratings boost despite not having competed since June, resulting in him snaring the final spot in the field, which was also belatedly increased from 18 to 20 runners.
The entire will be making his local debut for Chris Waller, who also has Group 1 winners Hinged and Fangirl engaged and will be chasing his second success in the Golden Eagle after claiming the inaugural edition with Kolding.
