Mega Ace might have earned himself a crack at the RM300,000 Tunku Gold Cup (1200m) late next month after outclassing his Class 3 rivals in the Visit Malaysia – Langkawi – Pulau Payar Marine Park Stakes (1020m) on the No. 2 track at Sungai Besi here today.

The field got off to an even start and a tussle for the early lead ensued.

Mega Ace, however, eventually took the lead and set the pace ahead of Singha Bay with Anego, Bintang Sixty-One and Pacific Energy in a line next.

Mega Ace broke away to a three-length lead at the 600m mark with Anego moving up to second on the outside of Singha Bay. Bintang Sixty-One and Pacific Energy followed next.

Mega Ace led by two lengths from Anego racing into the straight with Pacific Energy closing in third on the outside of Singha Bay.

Before the rest of the field could get near him, Mega Ace kicked away and was five lengths clear with 200m to go. Pacific Energy gave chase in the run home but only got to within 2-1/2 lengths of Mega Ace at the line. Hasten came from midfield to finish third.

Mega Ace landed in the country unraced and after finishing second on his debut, went on to win his next three starts on the trot.

Promoted to Class 3, the Earthlight galloper set the pace as usual but was caught in the closing stages to finish a smack-up fourth to Duma over 1200m just ten days ago.

“It’s a dominant win for Mega Ace today,” said trainer Simon Dunderdale. “We will try to head to the Tunku Gold Cup.”

“He (Mega Ace) came back in distance today and showed his natural speed,” said jockey Benny Woodworth who has ridden the gelding in his last five starts.

“He is a good sprinter but found the 1200m trip in open company too long for him last start.

“He will be very competitive in his own age group (three-year-old) but in open category and over 1200m, he will need some time to be up there with them.

“Having said that, he won very easy today.”