Kembla Grange trainer Kerry Parker will have the chance to follow Count De Rupee's path from Golden Eagle success to The Gong glory following his horse Hope In Your Heart sneaking into the field for the $10 million (1500m) race this Saturday.
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Read more: World stage awaits Cox Plate hero Anamoe
Parker has made no secret his big goal is to follow Count De Rupee's path to success.
Trained by Robert and Luke Price, Count De Rupee became an Illawarra sensation by running second in the Golden Eagle last year - behind I'm Thunderstruck, which ran second in the Cox Plate last Saturday - and then winning the $1 million The Gong event at the Grange.
Parker led Hope In Your Heart to victory in the Group 3 Angst Stakes (1600m) this year, following a victory at the black-type Tibbie Stakes at Newcastle.
Parker previously said that he would jump at the chance to be involved in the Golden Eagle race.
The Golden Eagle will be held at Rosehill Racecourse this Saturday.
Illawarra Sports Awards
The Mercury, in partnership with the Illawarra Academy Of Sport and presenting sponsor Illawarra Credit Union, is hosting the Illawarra Sports Awards, to be held on Thursday, November 10 at the Fraternity Club.
TICKETS: Purchase individual tickets or tables at https://events.humanitix.com/illawarra-sports-awards
NOMINATE: Get your nominations in for the Team Of The Year, Coach Of The Year and Local Hero Volunteer Of The Year
VOTE: Who will win the Mercury People's Choice Award? Read about their achievements HERE and vote.
Jordan Warren
Illawarra Mercury sports journalist. Feel free to get in touch jordan.warren@austcommunitymedia.com.au.
Illawarra Mercury sports journalist. Feel free to get in touch jordan.warren@austcommunitymedia.com.au.
