KUALA LUMPUR:  Jun 30, 2024

GAMESTONKS is back on top of his game, bouncing back quickly after a fifth-place finish in the BYD Ipoh Gold Vase (1100m) two weeks ago in which he set the pace in the rain.

The Showcasing gelding has won seven of his previous eight wins after leading in front and coming from second in the other.  The seven-year-old showed that he is just as comfortable coming off the pace in the ANZ Bloodstock News Trophy at Sungai Besi here today.

With already seven wins to his name and unbeaten in his last four, SUPER HAPPY started odds-on favourite (RM8) in the Metro A set-weight event over 1200m. GAMESTONKS was next-elect in the betting.

After a less than tidy start, DABBLE charged to the front to lead from TITAN PEGASUS with SUPER HAPPY sitting pretty third on the rails.

Apprentice Clyde Leck was happy to let GAMESTONKS settled in midfield and moved up to fourth making the turn into the straight when the field bunched up behind the leader.

After his early effort, DABBLE was beaten at the 250m. SUPER HAPPY took over with GAMESTONKS looming large next.

The pair fought stride-for-stride from the 150m with GAMESTONKS pulling away close home to win by half a length. WECANDO flashed home to pip SUPER HAPPY for second.

“The horse (GAMESTONKS) was drawn poorly in the last race in the Gold Vase but he still ran a credible fifth in the wet conditions,” said trainer Joseph Leck.

“He was drawn much better today and (the way) the race ran suited him. Clyde was patient and took a midfield (position) amidst the fast pace. A well-judged ride from him.

“A big thank you to owner Richard Tea for his continuous support towards my stable.”

“It was a strong field,” said Clyde who also rode GAMESTONKS in the Gold Vase and all his previous wins.

“I saw plenty of pace in the race and I thought of trying something different and sit him behind the pace this time.

“Thankfully the pace was slightly quick and he settled nicely behind the pace. At the top of the straight, he had plenty in hand and went on to win nicely.”

Winner of one race in 13 starts in New Zealand, GAMESTONKS has picked up nine wins in 16b outings in Malaysia.

It was the best meeting yet for first-season trainer Joseph. He also saddled UNSHADOWED GENRAL to win the open event and DOGE TO THE MOON to win the last.

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