3 minute read

Macau trainer Danny Wong has a rising star on his hands with the Australian import Gem Eagle.

Gem Eagle made it two wins from as many starts in Macau, with a gutsy effort in Sundays feature The Association Of Macau Racing Journalist’s Cup over 1050 metres on the sand.

Ridden by Mauritian rider Akash Aucharuz, Gem Eagle dig deep late to go home too well for Speed On (Luis Corrales), with Brave Flying Hawk running on well for third.

Gem Eagle had surprised connections at his first run in Macau when he showed great speed to lead throughout to beat a good Class 2 & 3 field also over 1050 metres on the sand back in June, and running close to record time. The son of Reward For Effort went one better with Sundays win clocking 1.01.5, shaving .01 off the class record held by his stablemate Gem Soldier.

The three year old commenced his racing career in Victoria with Colin and Cindy Alderson under the name of Doin’ The Deed where he won a Cranbourne over 1500 metres (turf). However with the USA influence in his breeding he has emerged as a new sand star in Macau.

“He’s a very nice horse he has a big future here.” Aucharuz said.

“He’s still very green still learning all about it like wanting to hang out and make things difficult for himself.”

“If you watched his trackwork you wouldn’t put one dollar on him but he is a different horse race day.”

The win by Gem Eagle was the first leg of a double for Akash Aucharuz who after a slow start in the enclave is really starting to make an impression.

Beauty Of Victory gave Aucharuz his second win for the afternoon when he powered home right over the top Full Class (Luis Corrales) to win the Class 4 & 5 over 1100 metres on the turf.

Beauty Of Victory was given the run of the race by Aucharuz to sit off a slick speed set up by Full Class, before being presented with a nice run through the inside at the top of the straight, then unleashing a strong finish under hands and heels riding to grab Full Class right on the line.

“It was a nice win although I honestly thought he might have won easier.”

“He’s only a small horse and he will keep on improving from that.” Aucharuz said.

Beauty Of Victory’s win gave trainer Stanley Chin a double for the afternoon having won with Speed Of king earlier in the day in the Class 3 & 4 over 1350 metres.

Speed Of King was ridden by Luis Corrales and made it win number three in Macau, all on the sand surface for the gelding.

For Corrales it was the second leg of a double having won the first of the afternoon on Gold and Silver for trainer Steven Chow.

Panamanian born Corrales now has a nine win lead over Brazilian Leo Salles 57 to 48 and with just eight race meetings to go, a fourth straight jockeys’ title does look a foregone conclusion.