Golden Pegasus shines in Safar Gemilang Cup

KUALA LUMPUR:  Jul 21, 2024

GOLDEN PEGASUS completed a golden double when he outclassed his rivals in the RM100,000 4YO Safar Gemilang Cup over 1600m at Sungai Besi here today — a repeat of his performance in the Selangor Turf Club 4YO Sprint (1200m) three weeks ago.

A latecomer to the scene, the Australian gelding began racing only as a four-year-old last August but immediately showed his potential, winning three of his first four starts.

Promoted to Class 3, GOLDEN PEGASUS raced consistently in the ensuing months without winning.

GOLDEN PEAGSUS was then sold towards the end of last month and renamed (from MAGIC TURBO) by his owner. He was also transferred to trainer Wayne Lim.

The change brought the desired results. GOLDEN PEAGSUS bounced back to winning form to capture the 4YO Sprint in style, trashing his rivals by four lengths, in his first start for his new connections.

To prepare for the Safar Gemilang Cup, Lim entered GOLDEN PEGASUS in a 1020m sprint on the No 2 track last week. Starting at odds-on (RM8), the son of Star Turn was somewhat disappointing when beaten to the post by two outsiders.

Lim then decided on a change of rider and sought the services of leading jockey Ruzaini Supien in the Cup today. Again, GOLDEN PEGASUS redeemed himself in style.

In the 4YO Sprint, GOLDEN PEGASUS raced well up with the pace while FATAL ATTRACTION, who had won his Malaysian debut last month, came from a long way back to finish second.

With his only win in Australia achieved over 2100m, FATAL ATTRACTION was widely expected to turn the tables on GOLDEN PEGASUS and started odds-on at RM7.

However, their roles were reversed this time.

FATAL ATTRACTION raced well up with the pace in a very compact field of nine runners while GOLDEN PEGASUS, caught wide after the jump from barrier eight, was last at one stage in the early running.

FATAL ATTRACTION switched out wide at the top of the straight to move up to second behind the pacemaker PACIFIC SNOOPY at the 400m. GOLDEN PEGASUS was still several lengths behind the leader at this stage.

FATAL ATTRACTION raced past a tiring PACIFIC SNOOPY at the 300m and kicked clear. Ruzaini was inching GOLDEN PEGASUS wider and wider to make his run all this while.

Once he got a clear run, GOLDEN PEGASUS immediately went after FATAL ATTRACTION and caught up with the new leader at the 200m.

GOLDEN PEGASUS then raced away in the run home to win by three lengths from FATAL ATTRACTION with FEEL THE FIRE another five and a quarter lengths away third.

“He (GOLDEN PEGASUS) gave me a shock,” Lim said. “The big weight (59kg), the wide barrier and moreover his first attempt over 1600m. He showed me his ability today.”

Ruzaini was also surprised at the win.

“To be honest, we didn’t expect him to run well like this,” said Ruzaini who rode GOLDEN PEGASUS twice at the tailend last year for two minor placings.

“It was his first time stepping up to 1600m. I am very lucky to get back on the saddle on him. I am looking forward to ride him again in a Group 1 stayers’ race.”

Ruzaini said it wasn’t his intention to race GOLDEN PEGASUS so far back early.

“My instructions were to place him handy early but when he (GOLDEN PEGASUS) was caught wide, I went to plan B.”

GOLDEN PEGASUS paid a handsome RM30 for a win.

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