By David Morgan
Pakistan Star continues to be a point of focus and Tony Cruz’s charge was under the microscope again this morning, Friday, 10 February, when stretching out in a 1200m all-weather track barrier trial alongside fellow Four-Year-Old Classic Series contenders Winner’s Way and Dinozzo. All three are engaged in Sunday week’s (19 February) Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m).
The horse that gained internet stardom with searing late bursts from the tail was bustled forward from the break at his most recent start, the Hong Kong Classic Mile, in which he boxed on to finish three and three quarter lengths fifth behind Rapper Dragon.
Silvestre de Sousa was in the plate on that occasion and the Brazilian ace took the reins for this morning’s trial at a wintry Sha Tin. The rider was busy the moment the gates crashed back, urging his mount on. Pakistan Star, for his part, broke smartly and travelled three wide towards the fore as Wah May Friend set the tempo.
The Shamardal gelding was marginally tapped for toe entering the final turn but clicked up a gear in the stretch to close nicely for second, three quarters of a length behind stablemate Winner’s Way.
“He’s in cracking form and we’ll just hope for a bit of luck when he runs,” de Sousa said. “I was very happy with him (in the trial); he did everything I asked him for, so I’m delighted.”
Winner’s Way was tardy at the break but gradually made up ground along the rail under Matthew Chadwick to be on the leader’s heels turning in. Switched out for running upon straightening, the Classic Mile fourth eased to the front 150m out and passed the post in a time of 1m 10.10s.
The John Size-trained Dinozzo is a likeable type that has progressed each time he has engaged in competition. Last time out, the Lilbourne Lad gelding notched a smart Class 2 win at 1800m to continue his progression and earn a Hong Kong Classic Cup entry.
Karis Teetan - wearing a muffler to combat the rare cold snap - settled the bay rearward against the rail and did little but steer as his mount rolled home for eye-catching late headway to third, a length and a half back. Size was content.
“He’s very consistent,” the trainer said, “he seems to do the same thing all the time, so he seems to be in good shape.”
Joao Moreira was aboard the Size-trained three-year-old Nothingilikemore, an impressive debut winner over 1200m in Class 4 last month under Ryan Moore. The Husson gelding chased the front rank and was just nudged out to keep tabs on the principals in the run to the line. The bay finished a length and three quarters fifth of the nine triallists.
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Photo 1:
Pakistan Star (black cap) and Dinozzo (blue cap) cross the line second and third behind Winner��s Way (red cap, front) in this morning��s trial.
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