The exciting American Eagle (Too Darn Hot {GB}) took his record to two wins from only two starts as he narrowly prevailed in the Gr.3 McNeil Stakes at Caulfield.
Wearing the easily recognisable MyRacehorse colours, American Eagle stepped straight up to Group 3 level with aplomb after scoring in two-year-old Handicap company midweek at Sandown in mid-July.
It was Phillip Island (Written Tycoon) that took up the running in the hands of Jordan Childs, while Seize The Day (I Am Invincible) and Confederation (Wootton Bassett {GB}) were also prominent.
Mark Zahra worked American Eagle eventually into the trail from his inside gate and travelled sweetly, while the R. Listed Magic Millions 2YO winner Unit Five (Supido) settled worse than midfield with cover in the hands of his regular pilot Thomas Stockdale.
Zahra manoeuvred American Eagle into the clear and he burst to the lead and looked the likely winner. Unit Five ran on very strongly out wide to just miss in a very good return, while his stablemate Seraphox (Harry Angel {IRE}) was an eye-catcher in third, with the leader Phillip Island sticking on well for fourth.
“It’s the time of year that you’re hoping to have horses like these, particularly colts go to these sorts of races,” said co-trainer Sam Freedman.
“Anthony had a good opinion of this horse very early days up in Sydney, that’s been vindicated, the horse has come down here and shown class at home.
“He looks the real deal so hopefully he’ll keep getting better. Our plan was always to go to the Guineas Prelude, but I mean he’s pretty brilliant.
“He’s got a nice turn of foot, he can take up a spot. You’re aiming for either a Coolmore or a Guineas, but we’ll have a dust set and see how he pulls up.
“One thing I’d say as well, he’s won on soft ground in the winter and it’s probably got a bit of give today, so still want to tick a box on firm ground but he’s progressive.”
“He’ll give himself a chance to run a mile if he want to go that way. I thought he was knocking up probably the last 50 metres, he was probably just ready for the six (furlongs) today.
Freedman was unsure on which way he will head and when asked if Sydney could be an option, he was open to the suggestion.
“So whether we push on, a Prelude, and then whether you pivot and you go to the guineas or whether you go freshen and go to the Coolmore.
“For sure, you’ve got a Golden Rose there. There’s probably more seasoned horses at that point in time going to that sort of race but the fact he can take up a spot I think is going to hold him in good stead once he gets out in trip if he does get to a mile in time and the 1400 metres is a nice stepping stone so we’ve got some decisions to make.”
Zahra was impressed with the colt.
“He’s a very nice horse, he jumped really quick and then nearly fell over after that, but he picked himself up and I got to the front a fair way out, good job to battle on, he went again when the other horse came to me.
“There’s a heap of improvement to come, he’s got a very bright Spring ahead of him.”
When asked if he looks a Guineas contender, Zahra felt he would run out the trip.
“I think so. He’s pretty sharp but he’s on the right path first up, you head that way and he’ll be on the right path.
“He’s still very green, he’s got a lot to learn but he’s very tractable, every race he’ll get better, when the grand final comes hopefully, he’s at his best.”
Sales info: American Eagle was purchased for $400,000 by Anthony Freedman Racing and Julian Blaxland Bloodstock (FBAA) from the Yulong draft at the 2025 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
Pedigree info: American Eagle is the third foal and third winner out of the six-time winning Redoute’s Choice mare Awake The Stars.
American Eagle’s grandam My Chicharita (NZ) (Towkay) won the Gr.2 Royal Stakes over 2000 metres at Ellerslie as a 3-year-old filly. This is also the extended family of the 14-time winner and three-time Group 2 winner Le Zagaletta (Last Tycoon {IRE}).
Awake The Stars, in recent times, has left a yearling colt by Grunt (NZ).
Written for TTRAusNZ
