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The biggest prize for four-year-old horses is up for grabs at Royal Randwick on Saturday, and the Races.com.au crew are here with our expert 2026 Golden Eagle tips, predictions & best bets in Sydney while Derby Day plays on further south.
The Group 1 $10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) runs for the eighth time on the weekend and features another blockbuster field of the season’s best of their age ready to contest Australian racing’s third richest contest.
With star mare Sheza Alibi dominating the latest Golden Eagle 2026 betting markets at Ladbrokes and a host of other proven Group performers including Beiwacht, Autumn Boy, Skyhook, and Silver Eagle winner Apocalyptic all in the mix, punters are faced with the favourite vs. the rest to see if our odds-on fancy can bounce back off a shock lead-up loss.
We’ve analysed the key Golden Eagle form lines, market movers, and leading chances to bring you our best betting plays for one of the headline races of the Sydney Spring Carnival.
Golden Eagle 2026 Best Bets
Favourite: No. 16 Sheza Alibi
SHEZA ALIBI (5) is the clear 4YO to beat in this year’s Golden Eagle and looks ideally placed to justify her odds-on favouritism.
The classy Moody & Coleman-trained mare boasts an outstanding record, highlighted by her dominant Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes victory two starts back before a brave runner-up finish in the Might And Power against older weight-for-age stars over an unsuitable 2000m.
Back to the Golden Eagle’s 1500m, returning to a track she excels at, and taking on her own generation again, the daughter of Saxon Warrior gets every opportunity to bounce back.
Drawn perfectly in barrier five with Luke Nolen remaining aboard, she brings the strongest form credentials into the race and should win.
| 16. Sheza Alibi (5) J: Luke Nolen 55.5kg 1×212 T: Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman | |||
| Recent form sound. Most recently 2nd in a small field in the G1 Might And Power Stakes at Caulfield on October 10 over 2000m, head behind Land Legend carrying 56kg at $1.40. Before that favourite; came from midfield and won by 2.75 len in the G1 Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington on September 12 over 1600m defeating Autumn Boy carrying 56.5kg at $1.60. Champion mare back to her own age group, looks too strong for these at set weights. | |||
Each Way Danger: No. 2 Skyhook
SKYHOOK (14) looks the standout each way chance for mine and appeals as the value runner among the leading contenders.
The Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou-trained son of Written Tycoon has gone to another level this preparation, winning the Theo Marks and Shannon Stakes in successive starts before a brave runner-up effort in the Silver Eagle where he worked throughout and was only collared late.
The step back up to 1500m is ideal, his racing pattern ensures he’ll make his own luck, and while the wide draw isn’t perfect, he has the speed to roll forward and settle prominently.
With his form holding up strongly and his spring campaign suggesting there’s still improvement to come, Skyhook looks capable of giving Sheza Alibi a good run for her money at a much bigger price.
| 2. Skyhook (14) J: Chad Schofield 57.5kg 1×112 T: Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou | |||
| Racing well recently. At the latest run tracked the speed and boxed on steadily 2nd of 14 in the LR Silver Eagle at this track on October 17 over 1300m, on a slow track; neck behind Apocalyptic with 57.5kg at $3.20. Before that won by 3 len in the G2 Shannon Stakes at Rosehill on September 26 over 1500m defeating Estadio Mestalla with 58kg at $1.50. Commanding Shannon winner expected to measure up again from the sticky draw. | |||
Best Roughie: No. 17 Apocalyptic
APOCALYPTIC (16) shapes as the best roughie in this year’s Golden Eagle for mine and looks capable of outrunning her generous double-figure quote.
The Michael Freedman-trained mare announced herself as a genuine contender when producing a career-best performance to win the Silver Eagle at Randwick on The Everest Day, defeating a number of rivals she meets again here.
A daughter of Extreme Choice, she boasts an outstanding record at Randwick and appears to have gone to another level this preparation.
The wide draw is the obvious hurdle, but a genuine tempo should allow Tommy Berry to settle her in and unleash late.
If she can reproduce her Silver Eagle form over the extra ground, Apocalyptic has the credentials to be charging home into the finish and making her presence felt at juicy odds.
| 17. Apocalyptic (16) J: Tommy Berry 55.5kg 4×351 T: Michael Freedman | |||
| Last start came from midfield and won by a neck in the LR Silver Eagle at this track on October 17 over 1300m on a rain affected track defeating Skyhook with 56.5kg at $26. The run before that 5th of 8 in the G2 Sheraco Stakes at Rosehill on September 12 over 1200m, 2 len behind Savvy Hallie carrying 58kg at $7.50. Horror draw and has minor claims at best. | |||
2026 Golden Eagle Same Race Multi Selections
$17 (at time of publish) through Ladbrokes
- To Win – No. 16 Sheza Alibi
- Top 3 – No. 2 Skyhook
- Top 5 – No. 17 Apocalyptic
Latest Golden Eagle 2026 Odds
Golden Eagle 2026 Odds
| 1. Beiwacht (9) J: Nash Rawiller 57.5kg 1×193 T: Chris Waller | |||
| At the latest run rolled along in front then was edged out late 3rd of 14 in the LR Silver Eagle at this track on October 17 over 1300m, slow going 0.6 len behind Apocalyptic with 58.5kg at $2.40. The run before that did the work up front then tired 9th of 13 in the G1 Manikato Stakes at Caulfield on September 27 over 1200m, 4 len behind Jimmysstar with 58.5kg at $3.20. Better performance last start and the Memsie win keeps him in the calculations. | |||
| 2. Skyhook (14) J: Chad Schofield 57.5kg 1×112 T: Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou | |||
| Racing well recently. At the latest run tracked the speed and boxed on steadily 2nd of 14 in the LR Silver Eagle at this track on October 17 over 1300m, on a slow track; neck behind Apocalyptic with 57.5kg at $3.20. Before that won by 3 len in the G2 Shannon Stakes at Rosehill on September 26 over 1500m defeating Estadio Mestalla with 58kg at $1.50. Commanding Shannon winner expected to measure up again from the sticky draw. | |||
| 3. Autumn Boy (4) J: Zac Purton 57.5kg 2×827 T: Chris Waller | |||
| Most recently 7th of 16 in the G1 Epsom Handicap at this track on October 3 over 1600m, slow going 4 len behind God’s Window carrying 55.5kg at $3.80. The start before that 2nd of 10 in the G1 Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington on September 12 over 1600m, 2.75 len behind Sheza Alibi with 58.5kg at $20. Had no luck in the Epsom and set to peak fourth up. | |||
| 4. Regal Award (3) J: Lachlan Neindorf 57.5kg 17×30 T: Phillip & Tommy Stokes | |||
| Third-up today. First-up set the pace for much of the race 3rd of 16 in the G1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes at Caulfield on September 19 over 1400m, 1.2 len behind Angel Capital with 52.5kg at $9.50. Last start 12th of 15 in the G1 Toorak Handicap at Caulfield on October 10 over 1600m, 4 len behind Lady Shenandoah carrying 55kg at $5.50. Talented gelding not to be overlooked. | |||
| 5. Attica (6) J: Regan Bayliss 57.5kg x2396 T: Joseph Pride | |||
| Last start sat on the speed and boxed on steadily 6th of 14 in the LR Silver Eagle at this track on October 17 over 1300m, slow going 1.75 len behind Apocalyptic carrying 58.5kg at $31. Before that raced on the speed throughout before fading 9th of 16 in the G1 Epsom Handicap at this track on October 3 over 1600m, slow going 4 len behind God’s Window carrying 51.5kg at $6.50. No shock to see him take a hand in the finish. | |||
| 6. Brave Monarch (7) J: Martin Harley 57.5kg 14×37 T: Chris & Corey Munce | |||
| Third-up today and won third-up previously. Resuming made ground from midfield; 3rd of 12 in the LR Weetwood Hcp at Toowoomba on September 26 over 1200m, 2 len behind Let’sfacethemusic carrying 60kg at $5.50. Last start 7th of 14 in the LR Silver Eagle at this track on October 17 over 1300m, on a slow track; 4 len behind Apocalyptic with 57.5kg at $31. Queensland Guineas winner who needs to find a few lengths. | |||
| 7. Decorum (12) J: Tim Clark 57.5kg 9×114 T: Michael Freedman | |||
| Most recently 4th of 14 in the LR Silver Eagle at this track on October 17 over 1300m, on a slow track; 0.8 len behind Apocalyptic carrying 56kg at $8.50. Before that won by a neck in a Bm88 at Rosehill on September 26 over 1400m defeating Cross Tasman carrying 57kg at $1.80. Extra trip suits and should be strong late. | |||
| 8. Mr Miller (8) J: Zac Lloyd 57.5kg x1135 T: Chris Waller | |||
| At the latest run 5th of 16 in the G1 Epsom Handicap at this track on October 3 over 1600m, on a slow track; 3 len behind God’s Window carrying 50kg at $8. The run before that 3rd of 10 in the G3 Cameron Handicap at Newcastle on September 18 over 1500m, 1.5 len behind Fully Lit carrying 54kg at $1.80. Solid in the Epsom and since fitted with a trial win, respect. | |||
| 9. Rivellino (10) J: Dylan Gibbons 57.5kg 548×9 T: Kris Lees | |||
| Second run back. First-up after seven months eased back early on 9th of 14 in the LR Silver Eagle at this track on October 17 over 1300m, on a slow track; 4.5 len behind Apocalyptic with 57.5kg at $151. Previously second-up 5th of 7 in the G2 Hobartville Stakes at Rosehill on February 21 over 1400m, 3 len behind Ninja carrying 56.5kg at $41. Others seem to have his measure. | |||
| 10. Estremo (15) J: Sam Clipperton 57.5kg 17×66 T: Chris Waller | |||
| Dual acceptor. Third-up today and won third-up in the past. First-up 6th of 14 in a Bm94 at this track on October 3 over 1200m, slow going 4 len behind Wanaruah with 58kg at $21. Second run from a spell 6th of 15 in a Bm88 at this track on October 17 over 1400m, on a slow track; 3 len behind Cross Tasman with 59kg at $21. Facing another stiff test today. | |||
| 11. Platinum Pantheon (1) J: Andrew Adkins 57.5kg 22×20 T: Lisa Latta | |||
| Third-up today and placed third-up in the past. Resuming made ground from midfield; 2nd of 14 in a Bm94 at this track on October 3 over 1200m, slow going nose behind Wanaruah with 57kg at $8. Second-up 10th of 14 in the LR Silver Eagle at this track on October 17 over 1300m, on a slow track; 4.5 len behind Apocalyptic carrying 56kg at $16. Would have to improve sharply. | |||
| 14. Night Agent (11) J: Tom Sherry 57.5kg 3×410 T: Kris Lees | |||
| Last start 11th of 14 in the LR Silver Eagle at this track on October 17 over 1300m, slow going 5 len behind Apocalyptic with 56kg at $21. The start before that raced right near the speed and boxed on; won by 2.25 len in a Bm78 at this track on September 19 over 1400m defeating Unleeshing carrying 56kg at $4.40. Looking elsewhere. | |||
| 15. Amazing Journey (13) J: Saffie Osborne 56.5kg 1211x T: Ciaron Maher | |||
| Back from a spell. Finished off last preparation by 1.3 len Ascot July 25 over 1408m defeating Two Tribes with 54kg at $5. When resuming last campaign third of 12 at Leicester May 25 over 1207m, 4 len behind Jazl with 57kg at $12. Imported gelding who makes his Australian debut, keep safe. | |||
| 16. Sheza Alibi (5) J: Luke Nolen 55.5kg 1×212 T: Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman | |||
| Recent form sound. Most recently 2nd in a small field in the G1 Might And Power Stakes at Caulfield on October 10 over 2000m, head behind Land Legend carrying 56kg at $1.40. Before that favourite; came from midfield and won by 2.75 len in the G1 Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington on September 12 over 1600m defeating Autumn Boy carrying 56.5kg at $1.60. Champion mare back to her own age group, looks too strong for these at set weights. | |||
| 17. Apocalyptic (16) J: Tommy Berry 55.5kg 4×351 T: Michael Freedman | |||
| Last start came from midfield and won by a neck in the LR Silver Eagle at this track on October 17 over 1300m on a rain affected track defeating Skyhook with 56.5kg at $26. The run before that 5th of 8 in the G2 Sheraco Stakes at Rosehill on September 12 over 1200m, 2 len behind Savvy Hallie carrying 58kg at $7.50. Horror draw and has minor claims at best. | |||
| 18. Within The Law (2) J: Rachel King 55.5kg 276×5 T: Bjorn Baker | |||
| Second run back. First-up after four months 5th of 14 in the LR Silver Eagle at this track on October 17 over 1300m, on a slow track; 0.9 len behind Apocalyptic carrying 55.5kg at $51. Previously second-up made ground from midfield; 2nd of 13 in the G3 Gunsynd Classic at Eagle Farm on June 13 over 1600m, on a wet track; 3.5 len behind Skyhook carrying 55kg at $2.45. Slashing return and worth thought. | |||
| 12. Barrengarry (1) Scratched: | |||
| 13. Federalist (11) Scratched: | |||
