Feb 25, 20183 min read

KEYSER SOZE WONDERS WERTHER PAKISTAN STAR WILL SHINE TODAY

By Keyser Soze

Depending on which side of the fence you are, there are two highlights to the 11 race programme at Sha Tin this afternoon- the mega Triple Trio jackpot up for grabs which should reach around HK$30 million, and the return of the enigmatic Pakistan Star who makes his eagerly awaited comeback in the Hong Kong Gold Cup with his original companion aboard- jockey Matthew Chadwick.

The Triple Trio takes place in races 5,6 and 7 and as with anytime one attempts to snare this bet, there’s always a fly in the ointment you haven’t even noticed- usually a first starter at huge odds.

Of course the HKJC has not made winning this bet a stroll in the park. But who wants something easy that has to be shared by a number of people? It’s about being greedy and having the winnings all to yourself. Why lie?

Race 6 is a minefield whereas many will use Zac Purton’s rides as bankers in races 5 and 7. But as with anything that’s going to deliver, even bankers need legs. With no solid legs everything falls down.

As for the Hong Kong Gold Cup, if he produces anything close to his last trial, Pakistan Star will be extremely hard to beat. The $64,000 question is whether he’ll be in the mood to actually race.

‘He feels like a machine now’ @mattLchadwixk talks Pakistan Star ahead of his return at Sha Tin. https://t.co/rMEXfYt7FG — Douglas Chalmers (@Dougchalmers23) February 23, 2018

Despite everyone believing that Pakistan Star is a different horse these days with a new attitude on life and trainer Tony Cruz saying the galloper is ready to “Rock and Roll”, there’s always the nagging feeling that this real character could decide to undo the best laid plans- just for the hell of it.

This is what puts Pakistan Star in his own orbit- a bit like his somewhat offbeat but loveable and respected trainer who’s putting his faith behind stablemate Time Warp saying, quite correctly, that Pakistan Star lacks the race fitness to win this distance event. Talk about a muddling pace!

Everyone can say whatever they want- and too many already have. But until one hears something straight from this very special horse’s mouth, we’re not buying anything. We’re just going to sit back and watch whatever show unfolds.