Pakistan Star (Ger) (Shamardal), the first horse to be named a 'TDN Rising Star' in Hong Kong, lost his unbeaten record to Mr Bogart (Aus) (Northern Meteor {Aus}) in the Class 2 Woodpecker H. going 1400 metres at Sha Tin Sunday (Video). The Tony Cruz trainee, who cost the Hong Kong Jockey Club €200,000 at the Arqana Deauville Yearling Sale prior to making HK$6 million in the Hong Kong International Sale this past March, had managed improbable last to first victories after breaking slowly in his first two starts July 1 and Sept. 18–in the latter contest he earned 'Rising Stardom'.
Mr Bogart, under 131 pounds, settled in a tracking second behind Spicy Sure (Aus) (Casino Prince {Aus}), spun into the stretch two deep and held an insurmountable lead over Pakistan Star as the wire loomed, to score by 2 1/2 lengths. The 7-5 crowd's pick carried only 125 pounds Sunday and was in closer touch to the pace this time, although still last of 14 as the pacesetter traveled the first 1000 metres in :58.24. Pakistan Star covered his final 400 metres in a sharp :21.65, while making up over 10 lengths down the center of the lane, but had to settle for second. His final 400-metre split was the 13th fastest clocking in all 1400-metre races since February of 2008.
“He was a bit more sensible out of the gates today,” said pilot Matthew Chadwick to the HKJC. “Today, he was less lazy and that meant that he was in touch with the field in the early stages. However, they just went so fast up front–in his other races, they went fast early and then slowed, but Kei [Chiong aboard Spicy Sure] was up on the speed and setting a hard gallop. In Pakistan Star's other two races, I was travelling well as I entered the straight and cruised up before sprinting well. Today, I was off the bit chasing before straightening, because they were just flying along in front. In the end he's made up at least 10 lengths, maybe more.”
Chadwick and Cruz are undeterred, despite the runner-up finish of Pakistan Star.
“Given the amount of ground he has made up there, I don't think anyone can be too disappointed in him,” Chadwick continued. “He's still only a 3-year-old too. He'll improve again for that and be hard to beat next time, especially over 1600 metres.”
Added Cruz, “Pakistan Star ran up to expectations, he's run very well from last, but look at the sectionals. He was a long way back. I still have faith, I think Pakistan Star is still a maturing-type of horse and he's definitely improving all the time. And I do think Mr Bogart is a group-class horse too.”
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