Racing
Goodwood winner earmarked for Golden Eagle bid
UK galloper Seagulls Eleven is set to descend on Sydney for the Golden Eagle.
A gritty win over the Glorious Goodwood carnival has put UK gelding Seagulls Eleven firmly in the frame to make the trip to Australia for the $10 million Golden Eagle.
Trainer Hugo Palmer confirmed his interest in the lucrative feature after his charge fended off all challengers to take out the Group 3 Thoroughbred Stakes (1609m) at the famous Goodwood meeting.
Already experienced on the international stage having competed at last year's Breeders' Cup program, Seagulls Eleven has also proved his versatility on all types of ground and Palmer is keen to roll the dice in Sydney.
"He has taken us all around the world and I don't think we are done yet," Palmer said.
"The Golden Eagle in Syndey has already been mentioned and why not? It's a $10 million dollar race. Where can you say that in England?
"We were worried about him going to the Breeders' Cup last year because he is a handful, but he took it very well.
"I think he goes on any ground. He ran well first time out on soft ground, and he's won on fast ground, but I think he is genuinely versatile."
Seagulls Eleven, who is raced by a group of former players from the Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club, is likely to have one more run in the UK before Palmer prepares him for the Golden Eagle (1500m) at Rosehill on November 1.
"Maybe we'll have one more run [in the UK before Australia]," Palmer said.
"We could talk about supplementing for the City Of York or maybe the Celebration Mile back here. I haven't really thought about it."
Seagulls Eleven isn't quoted in early Golden Eagle markets, which are headed by the Chris Waller-trained pair of Autumn Glow ($3.50 fav) and Lady Shenandoah ($4.50).

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