Another stakes winner for Alpine Eagle

The Tasmanian-bred gelding Geegees Gemstone came with a sweeping run down the centre of the track to defeat local hero The Inevitable in Wednesday night’s Listed Jacksons Security Tasmanian Newmarket at Launceston.

Ridden by Anthony Darmanin for Stuart Gandy, the 5YO son of Armidale Stud’s resident sire, Alpine Eagle, enjoyed a trouble-free passage after settling just worse than midfield.

While Darmanin came wide around the turn, Craig Newitt drove The Inevitable between runners and the son of Dundeel looked set to claim his second Newmarket.

However, combining his first start in 18 weeks and a 7kg weight difference, The Inevitable had no answer to Geegees Gemstone’s finishing burst.

A homebred for Elizabeth Geard Racing, Geegees Gemstone defeated The Inevitable (Dundeel) by a half-length, with Alvarinho (Tough Speed) back in third.

“We got the (luck) in the one that mattered,” Gandy said.

“It has clear running, covered a bit of ground on the home turn, and he fought it out with a good horse.

“It’s great for the staff, Elizabeth (Geard), and the family, as this horse has not been easy.”

Geegees Gemstone is the third black-type winner for Armidale Stud’s High Chaparral stallion Alpine Eagle and has won 8 of his 15 career starts.

The gelding is the first winner from two to race for the former top-class mare Gee Gees Top Notch (Wordsmith), who won ten and placed in 15 of her 40 starts highlighted by wins in the Listed TRC Elwick Stakesans Listed TTC Tasmanian Stakes while banking $383,000.

Geegees Top Notch has a yearling filly by Gee Gees Americane and foaled a Stratosphere colt on September 20.

Photo credit: Robyn Whishaw