3 minute read
Australian import Magnapegasus broke through for his first win in Macau with a drama charged victory in Saturdays feature the University Of Macau Alumni Association Cup over 1510 metres.
Ridden by Horace Lam, Magnapegasus had to pull out all stops to stave off the strong late surge of Ares Spear (Luis Corrales), with race favorite Knows It All (Ruan Maia) in third.
However the battle didn't end there for Horace Lam and trainer Wayne Smith with Luis Corrales firing in an objection citing interference over the last three hundred metres. Ares Spear was no doubt crowded around the 250 mark when Magnapegasus shifted out marginally and Garlic And Spicy ridden by Roger Yu shifted in noticeably.
After considering all the evidence the Stewards panel were satisfied that the interference suffered by Ares Spear was not solely caused by Magnapegasus, as there was a contributing shift by Garlic And Chili and as such dismissed the objection.
The head on video clearly shows the greater shift coming from Garlic And Chili outside as he carries Ares Spear in onto Magnapegasus, with jockey Roger Yu fortunate to escape with a severe reprimand from the Stewards Panel.
The win by Magnapegasus gave former jockey turned trainer Wayne Smith his second winner since he commenced his operations at the start of this season in September. Star of Yiu Cheung provided Smith with his first winner on October 26 with the gelding being only his fifth runner at the time.
The win has been awhile coming for Magnapegasus who has had a total of 17 runs in Macau managing five placed efforts in good company on the turf when prepared by Danny Wong.
Saturdays win was a good strong effort and proved bay's versatility at being able to handle both the turf and the sand
"Now that his got his head in front he can win a more I'm sure. And Horace gave him a good ride." A delighted Smith said after the win.
The gelding was originally an A$120,000 purchase at the 2014 Gold Coast Yearling Sales by Freedman Racing. Racing in Victoria under the same name the good looking son of Magnus (Aus) had eight runs for Anthony Freedman winning a 2Y0 Maiden over 1400 metres at Horsham, and a 1600 metres Benchmark 64 at Mornington.
The win by Roaring Fans will prove to be a huge confidence booster to apprentice Eric Cheung who has experienced a frustrating run of 45 rides without a winner since his race riding comeback on October 13. Cheung was injured in a pre race incident on Tavezbac back in June when he sustained a hairline fracture of his ankle.
In Saturday's Class 4 over 1050 metres Cheung fired Roaring Fans out of the gates to kick up underneath the speedy Chapman Way to worry him out of the lead. Taking command on the bridle approaching the corner Roaring Fans bounded away in the straight to race away for a strong win over Felizmaster (Charlie Chan), with Kelvin's Choice (Roger Yu in third.
Cheung who is apprenticed to Roaring Fans trainer Stanley Chin was really on a roll at the time of his fall, with 24 winners for the season in what was his first full year as an apprentice. Now that he is back in the winner's circle more opportunity is destined to flow his way.
Stanley Chin led in the last winner in My Golden Boy who broke a frustrating run of six placed efforts to win the Class 5 & 6 over 1510 metres under Fausto Henrique.
My Golden Boy who last won back in July gets full marks for his consistency with his last nine runs now yielding two wins, four seconds and two thirds.
The very progressive Golden Rose made it win number three in Macau under Ruan Maia when he raced away with the Class 2 over 1050 metres.
Prepared by Ricky Choi, Golden Rose is a UK import that has now won three of his eight starts in Macau and judging by Saturday's win has come back a much stronger horse since he was given a break back in June.
Choi a former Hong Kong apprentice that rode with plenty of success in Macau is in his second season as a trainer in Macau, and is doing a fine job with his small team of twelve horses.
Saturday's win was his fourth for the season with four seconds and three thirds from only 25 runners to date.
