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Godolphin will rely on Vilana in its quest for a second Golden Eagle trophy.

James Cummings admits Vilana will need to be at the top of his game if he is to become the first horse to claim the Silver Eagle-Golden Eagle double. 

The Godolphin entire has drawn the outside barrier in the bumper field of 20 and no horse has won the 1500m race from a double-figure alley. 

"He's going to need to have his wits about him, he is drawn out there near the Parramatta Speedway," Cummings said. 

"What I least like about that is a number of good chances have drawn wide on the track and there's bound to be lots of pressure in that race. 

"He went like a bomb first up so hopefully he carries right on with his preparation where he kicked off with it." 

The first three editions of the Golden Eagle have been won by proven Group 1 horses. 

Kolding had captured the Epsom Handicap prior to taking out the first staging of the race in 2019, Godolphin's Colette was the reigning ATC Australian Oaks winner, whileI'm Thunderstruck claimed the Toorak Handicap in the lead-up to his Golden Eagle victory 12 months ago. 

Five runners in Saturday's renewal head into the race having proven themselves at the highest level – Tulloch Lodge pair Converge and In The Congo, Chris Waller-trained mares Hinged and Fangirl and Gypsy Goddess for David Vandyke. 

Vilana has only been given one opportunity in Group 1 company and wasn't disgraced when finishing better than midfield behind Alligator Blood in the Stradbroke Handicap. 

The form out of the Brisbane feature has stood up this spring with Alligator Blood winning the Underwood Stakes and running a game fifth in the Cox Plate, while Stradbroke runner-up Private Eye was narrowly beaten in The Everest. 

Vilana will be Godolphin's lone Golden Eagle runner following the early scratching of Brigantine, his withdrawal paving the way for first emergency Cardinal Gem to start for Victorian trainer Grahame Begg. 

Dual European Group 1 placegetter Light Infantry continues to be popular with punters and is a commanding $3.70 favourite, while several other runners have also been specked, including Jamie Kah's mount Chain Of Lightning ($7 into $5.50).