The Everest was granted group 1 status this year, and local officials want the Golden Eagle to quickly follow suit.
Ascoli Piceno is the $3.50 early favourite with bookies, and was given a spin around Canterbury by jockey Joao Moreira for the first time last Wednesday. Rival jockey Tommy Berry, who will ride fellow Japanese horse Corazon Beat, said of Ascoli Piceno last week: “If Ascoli Piceno gets all the luck in running, we won’t be beating her – I don’t think anything will get close to her; she’s that good.”
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The Golden Eagle will also feature unbeaten French galloper Lazzat, and William Haggas’ English raider Lake Forest.
One-time early favourite Celestial Legend is heading to the paddock and will not run on Saturday. Joe Pride confirmed last week his Epsom and King Charles III Stakes winner Ceowulf had already gone for a spell, while Right To Party, Kimochi, Zardozi, Arkansaw Kid and Griff are all expected not to feature.
Ostraka, War Machine, Tom Kitten, Xidaki, Joliestar, Stefi Magnetica, Southport Tycoon, Veight, Makarena, Encap, Chrysaor, Skybird, Kintyre and Moravia are expected to join the four internationals when acceptances are confirmed on Tuesday, with Port Lockroy, No. 48 on the original ballot, to scrape into the final spot in the 20-horse race.
Meanwhile, Everest champion Bella Nipotina has been nominated for the $3m Russell Balding Stakes (1300m), along with Sunshine In Paris, Lady Laguna, Private Eye and I Am Me.
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