In the spring of 1982, Golden Fleece established himself as a leading contender for the Derby by winning the Ballymoss Stakes, outclassing older horses including the future Royal Ascot Prince of Wales's Stakes and Japan Cup winner Stanerra, at the Curragh, and the Nijinsky Stakes at Leopardstown when he again easily disposed of subsequent Prix du Jockey Club, Irish Derby and Benson and Hedges Gold Cup winner, Assert . His participation in the Classic was briefly put in doubt by a minor training injury, but he made a quick recovery.