I said during the week that Pakistan Star is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma (using the Churchill quote about Russia) and Sunday was a reminder that he could be any one of these. If there are multiple versions of him, we saw the outstanding Pakistan Star on Sunday. The dynamic burst of speed evident in his first two starts was on show again, as he burst clear of the pack upon straightening.

That speed was also there at his previous start where he rattled home, however the bad Pakistan Star was also evident that day. It took some serious urging from Joao Moreira to ensure he did not pull up in the back straight in The Chairmans Trophy. The stewards saw fit to make him trial again after that – he passed the test, but not without raising a few eyebrows as he appeared to have a think about it in the straight under Tommy Berry.

His work during the week had looked good, but with doubts about his state of mind he went out at $4.80 on the Hong Kong tote much longer that his previous prices. He was also on his third nominated jockey for the race – Silvestre de Sousa was originally booked and couldn’t make suitable travel arrangements, replacement Kerrin McEvoy fell ill and was unable to travel. William Buick was on a plane when the booking for him was made.

The race itself was straightforward. Pakistan Star jumped well and settled in behind the leader, on a day where the track played to those on speed. He travelled well enough and when the gap opened for him after straightening he cleared the pack and went onto to win by three lenghts.

“I obviously feel sorry for Kerrin McEvoy, it was his intended ride and I’m just lucky to jump on him,” Buick said. “I’m very fortunate that I got the ride and it was a very nice surprise for me when I landed in Hong Kong.

“He’s showed his class today, he was very straightforward through the race, got a beautiful run and the only thing going through my mind was if the split was going to come or not. As soon as it came he was fast to go in there and won very well, he felt like a very fast horse.”

“He’s quite a famous horse for his antics so I was aware of him and I was aware of what he can do,” Buick said. “I took on board all of the information I knew about the horse and also thought it was quite important to ride him with a fresh mind and just be very positive about the horse.

“Tony did say he’s not a horse you can bully into doing things, you have to treat him with kid gloves and make him want to do it, rather than make him do it. He never gave me any kind of indication that he was going to do what he has done in the past.

“He felt beautiful today and when he quickened up the straight he felt like a world class mile-and-a-quarter horse – the field was stacked with stars.”

Trainer Tony Cruz must surely wake up on race day dreading the possible outcome when he takes his charge to the track. “We got a great draw and he pinged the gate,” Cruz said. “I said that no matter, he had to stay in behind Time Warp because Time Warp was going to run his own race; I said to just stay cool, just relax him and wait – the jockey rode a perfect race.”

“The Champions & Chater is the only race for him here, so I’ll work out with his owner where else we might take him – Royal Ascot or something. He needs racing, he’s only had four races – he’s had more barrier trials!

“He’s taught me a lot, how he thinks – he’s got a racing mind now, he wants to race. He’s much more professional now and he’s improving all the time.” Cruz added.

The Royal Ascot comment seemed a spur of the moment thing, entries are closed and Pakistan Star is not amongst them. So The Champions & Chater is his next race and may do him for the season. I can’t wait to see him at 2400m!

Thanks to the HKJC team for the quotes from trainer and jockey.