Lake Forest comes from the clouds to win $10m Golden Eagle with superb ride from jockey Cieren Fallon
English raider Lake Forest had to survive a protest but pulled off another successful William Haggas ambush on Australian soil by swooping to victory in the $10 million James Squire Golden Eagle (1500m) at Rosehill on Saturday.
From gate eight, visiting hoop Cieren Fallon dropped the four-year-old back to near last initially, ending up fourth from the back and cluttered up between horses.
Meanwhile, heavily backed $3.10 TABtouch favourite Ascoli Piceno was tightened up as the barriers opened and the Japanese raider was stranded out four wide for the duration.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.French second favourite Lazzat ($4.80) took up the running but was pestered by Makarena ($61) and the two led into the straight.
Fallon had still not improved his position by that point but pursued a rails run and the $20 hope started to respond.
At the 200m, Lake Forest was still midfield but beginning to hit overdrive as Lazzat had eventually seen off the attentions of Makarena.
With Tom Kitten ($13) moving to challenge Lazzat, Lake Forest sprouted wings to flash up the pair’s inner and snatch victory in the final few strides.
Stefi Magnetica ($12) was arguably an unlucky loser having been chopped out at the 50m mark when looking a leading contender.
As a result of the tight finish, Antonio Orani (Lazzat) fired in a protest at Fallon, with a further objection from Zac Lloyd (Stefi Magnetica) against Orani.
However, both were dismissed, and left Fallon stunned by the massive payday, with UK racing competing for notoriously lower stakes.
“I can’t believe it. I’m lost for words,” Fallon said.
“Everything went to plan A – we knew he needed a lot of speed.
“I thought if we used too much energy early on, we wouldn’t get the turn of foot.
“I had to raid brave and hope for a few gaps. I got a few gaps and then the horse took over.
“This is remarkable. Money wise, you can’t beat it. It is definitely up there.
“The boss has been sending horses out here for the last few years and been coming out on top.
“But in terms of my career, this would be up there.”
