It was a one-act affair in the Group 3 Silver Eagle (1300m) at Randwick on Saturday afternoon, with the Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald-trained Ostraka ($4.40) making every post a winner, booking his ticket to the Golden Eagle (1500m) on November 2.
It was a front-running masterclass by the in-form Blake Shinn, storming across the entire field from barrier 14.
The son of Pariah never led in any of his hat-trick of wins leading into Saturday, with the four-year-old ticking over some even sectionals in the middle stages before bolting clear with the $1 million prize.
Xidaki ($21.00) finished off well first-up after a 97-day spell, while Melbourne raider War Machine ($9.00) gave a sight turning for home, and while both have booked their ticket to the Golden Eagle in a fortnight, they were simply no match for Ostraka in the final furlong.
2024 Silver Eagle replay – Ostraka
Ostraka remains undefeated this preparation and looks well-placed heading into the Golden Eagle, with co-trainer Rob Archibald confirming the next steps for this progressive gelding.
“Full credit to Blake (Shinn),” said Archibald.
“He came out with a plan today and said, ‘look, if we want to win the race, we’re going to have to go forward’, and that’s what he did.
“He relaxed beautifully in front, and full credit to the horse. He’s able to do it off-speed. Last start he did it on-speed, so he’s a really progressive horse.
“He keeps stepping up every time. He’s really going well.
“He’s won over 1400 before, so I think with the prizemoney on offer (in the Golden Eagle), we’ll certainly give him that opportunity, I would guess.”
Blake Shinn spoke to the bold tactics as he analysed the victory post-race.
“It seems hard to make ground here today,” said Shinn.
“Even though we were a little bit wide on speed, as opposed to going back, we thought we were better off being there than conceding a big start and making it too hard for him.
“He jumped well, two horses inside and he didn’t jump the best. Tactical advantage, he had the speed from the gate and that’s what won him the race.
“Full credit to Annabel and Rob. He’s turned into a really good racehorse now. As you say, he’s versatile. He’s won over short courses up to 1300 today. Look, who knows? They might press onto a Golden Eagle and I think he’ll make his presence felt.”
Oastraka is now a $15.00 chance in futures markets with horse racing bookmakers for the 2024 Golden Eagle on November 2.
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