Pakistan Star is on track for the G1 Audemars Piguet Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin in nine days’ time after this morning (Friday, 20 April) completing a barrier trial to the satisfaction of the Stewards. But even then, the mercurial galloper couldn’t help but ensure a hint of drama.
Tony Cruz’s charge tailed himself off in the G2 Chairman’s Trophy (1600m) last time out before charging home to finish a fine fourth, and so was required to pass today’s 1600m turf trial before being permitted to race again. The German-bred famously stopped a short distance into last season’s G3 Premier Plate Handicap (1800m).
Pakistan Star did not repeat his past antics as he broke smartly and travelled easily on the pace under first-time partner Tommy Berry. All appeared to be straightforward until the Shamardal five-year-old jinked and slowed his gait momentarily in the home straight before quickening up for a strong finish.
“He jumped really quick and showed nice speed,” Berry said. “I didn’t really want to grab hold of him, I just wanted to keep him happy because every time he’s been grabbed hold of that’s when he’s sort of done his antics.
“He had a little bit of a look around and shied at something at the top of the straight but when the rest of the field came up to him he went on with it again. It’s not the end of the world, what he did, and it’s very mild compared to what he’s done in the past.
“He dodged right a little bit and just eased up but as quick as he eased up he got going again, so it was a one, two second thing.”