Australia: A $10M Golden Eagle And A Derby
This Friday there is a $10 million purse at Rosehill Racecourse in the Golden Eagle and Melbourne Cup Carnival at Flemington Race Course. The Golden Eagles was inaugurated in 2019 with a purse of AU$7.5 million. This year's renewal has seen the field increase in size to 20 and the purse escalate by 33%. 10 percent of the entire purse distribution goes to charities designated by each horse's owner. The favorite is #12 Light Infantry (7-2), Australian debut for trainer Ciaron Maher.
The Nature Strip Stakes at six furlongs is named for last year's winner of The Everest. The field features five horses from The. Everest two weeks ago. Lost And Running was scratched on race morning due to skin irritation. James McDonald rode a record-setting 10 winners (from 29 rides) over the four programs last season. McDonald will ride in Friday night's G1 Victoria Derby. William Buick flies in to partner Godolphin's 7-1 fourth wagering choice Pericles. The Melbourne Cup Carnival takes place on Friday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
The Golden Eagle and Derby is the main event of the Australian racing card. The card is made up of three G1s, two G2s and four G3s. James McDonald rides the favorite in the Derby. There are also two Group 1 races: Coolmore Stud Stakes and Empire Rose Stake. Rosehill and Flemington cards will be broadcast live on FanDuel TV on Friday night at 9:10 p.m. ET.
Michael Wrona has called races in six countries. He has worked at Los Alamitos, Hollywood Park, Arlington and Santa Anita.
