Francisco Leandro, now known as Gon-Chan, notched a double at Niigata and is making noise in Japan

The Brazilian jockey is earning his place and already has 4 victories in that country, where he holds a temporary license for 3 months

NIIGATA, Japan (Special to Turf Diario).— When there is talent, the racecourse, the track, or whether or not one speaks Japanese does not matter. For Francisco Leandro, his moment is magical here, the country where he landed a few weeks ago to continue his international campaign after obtaining a provisional 3-month license, an achievement very few attain.

Now known by the friendly nickname Gon-Chan, the Brazilian is starting to make some serious noise, winning races and proving to everyone that he is truly elite. Following his interesting stint at the Meydan International Carnival, where he secured several victories and came close in several major events, he enjoyed a solid double in the early hours of Saturday at Niigata Racecourse, part of the Japan Racing Association circuit, bringing his total to 4 wins here.

The first of his celebrations came in the third race, for 3-year-old maidens over 1,200 meters on the dirt, where he guided Friends Plus (Johannesburg), trained by Hiroshi Miyamoto and owned by Kiyoshi Inaba. Leandrinho positioned the bay third and wide while stalking after breaking from post 5, launched a charge through the center of the track in the straight, and finished by defeating Kitano Premium (Danon Premium) by 2 lengths, defending his status as the favorite in the best possible way.

The jockey completed his double in the final race of the day, an allowance for 4-year-olds and up contested over 1,800 meters on the dirt. There, he once again displayed his efficiency with the fellow favorite High Quality (Lord Kanaloa), winner by 2 1/2 lengths over Curren Wrap Star (Rulership). Under the training of Teiichi Konno for KH Racing, High Quality set the tempo of the race from the early stages of the backstretch and, despite showing some difficulty rounding the final turn, pulled away with authority in the straight.

With a pure smile, hard work as his banner, and the ambition and perseverance to show the world he is a great jockey, Francisco Leandro is already making a full impression in Japan. Without a doubt, the best is yet to come.