2025 The Golden Eagle still on Linebacker’s radar after setback
All eyes will be on Hong Kong’s star sprinter Ka Ying Rising at Tuesday’s Randwick trials, but the return of Linebacker will be just as significant for his camp as the Group 1 winner begins his build-up toward the Golden Eagle.
Initially aimed at the Epsom Handicap (1600m), Linebacker was withdrawn from that path after a minor ankle sprain caused him to miss the Bill Ritchie Handicap (1400m).
Co-trainer Tom Charlton said while the issue wasn’t serious, it required rest and forced a shift in plans.
“In simple terms, he sprained an ankle. It just meant being on the easy list for a week or so,” Charlton said. “Once he missed that run, we were never going to the Epsom half-prepared. But if he can have a good couple of weeks now, there might be a light at the end of the tunnel in the Golden Eagle.”
The Randwick Guineas (1600m) winner resumed in the Tramway Stakes (1400m) where he finished seventh, and will have a 1050m trial on Tuesday to top off his fitness ahead of the Silver Eagle (1300m) on October 18 and the $10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) two weeks later.
Charlton is confident the revised plan can still yield success. “It might work out for the best,” he said. “If we can have a good trial and go to the Silver Eagle, we’ll be back on track. The 1300m should be ideal for him at this stage.”
The Randwick trials will also feature a high-profile 1000m heat for The Everest and King Charles III Stakes contenders, featuring six elite performers headlined by Ka Ying Rising.
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