Lazzat Sets Sights on Australia, Skips Prix de la Foret for Golden Eagle Bid
Unbeaten sprinter will bypass ParisLongchamp, with Rosehill prize in his sights.
Star sprinter Lazzat, trained by Jérôme Reynier, has made the bold decision to bypass the prestigious Prix de la Foret at ParisLongchamp in favour of an exciting trip to Australia next month. The three-year-old gelding, who has been unbeaten in six starts this season, most recently showcased his talent with a remarkable victory in the Group One Prix Maurice de Gheest.
Despite having a clear path to compete on home soil in the Foret, Lazzat will instead focus on preparing for the Golden Eagle, a lucrative race worth a staggering 10 million Australian dollars, scheduled for November 2 at Rosehill. Reynier confirmed the decision, stating, "He's going for the Golden Eagle in Sydney, so he's not going to run in the Foret."
To kick off his preparations, Lazzat will travel to Newmarket on Wednesday morning to begin his quarantine period, a necessary step before his journey to Australia. He is expected to stay in quarantine before departing for Sydney on October 13. The horse will arrive on October 15 and will be released from quarantine on October 29, just in time to prepare for the big race.
"This is quite exciting," Reynier commented. "It will be a change of environment, and he needs to adapt to so many variables, but if he arrives safe and happy there, I think he will have a good chance."
With an impressive record and a strong showing in Europe, Reynier believes Lazzat is among the best sprinters on the continent. "He’s unbeaten in six starts, so it’s a very exciting prospect and an exciting challenge." The decision to pursue the Golden Eagle over a prominent home race underscores Lazzat's potential and the high hopes his connections have for his success on the international stage. As the sprinter gears up for this new challenge, all eyes will be on him as he aims to make his mark down under.