After enduring a belated start to his racing career, GULF EAGLE (5 ch.a.g Russian Revolution – Workhard by Red Ransom) is now soaring.
The Russian Revolution gelding defied a promotion to outclass his Class 3 rivals to win by three and a half lengths over 1400m at Sungai Besi here today to complete a hattrick.
Gulf Eagle was one of the firsts to break but jockey Khaw Choon Kit elected to settle him third on the rails behind Pacific Empire and RS DREAM who disputed the lead.
Coming into the straight, the odds-on favourite took a run on the inside of the two front runners and had a slight lead with 350m to go.
Although he first drifted out, then drifted back in, GULF EAGLE managed to clear away in the run home to win as he liked.
Costing A$100,000 as a yearling, GULF EAGLE landed in Singapore as a three-year-old but never raced at Kranji after being there for a few months.
Following his transfer to Richard Lines in Kuala Lumpur, GULF EAGLE spent more than 14 months on the sidelines before finally having his first barrier trial and eventually had his first race last April.
A first-up second was swiftly followed by a win in Open Maiden company. He then finished third to GOLDEN PEGASUS in the Selangor Turf Club Four-Year-Old Sprint (1200m) in June.
After turning five, GULF EAGLE is unbeaten in three starts, including a double in Class 4.
"He a very promising horse that will continue to improve and has a bright future." said Lines.
"He's the best horse I have ridden in my career so far," declared Khaw who rode GULF EAGLE in the gelding's last three wins.
"He's an honest, lovely ride. I know him very well as I ride him in trackwork every day.
"Coming to the straight, I just had to find him a clear run to the post and he will give everything he got. I believe he will rise up the class. He's a good horse."
