It Takes Two

The team took Penultimate Star and Sworn In to the nation’s capital full of confidence but could not have predicted the arrogance of both wins, largely thanks to two perfectly timed Bobby El-Issa rides. =

A 3YO filly by the 'bread and butter' sire Magic Albert, Penultimate Star was left to her own devices shortly after the break to be midfield along the rails with cover. With a solid tempo generated by She’s The Ticket who kept Porridge honest in the lead, the field bunched well before the turn and for a moment it appeared Penultimate Star would become the victim of traffic problems with a wall of horses to her left, right and importantly ahead of her.

The pair bided their time and after switching behind the heels of Zardabba were quickly on the scene to be the one to be on passing the 200m mark. With a quick tap of the whip Penultimate Star lengthened, pricked her ears and under soft riding was easily accounting for the field to record a soft win.

“The race panned out really well for her. She got a beautiful trail and the right run at the right time so it was an enjoyable watch for all involved.” commented Pfieffer.

The filly breaks her maiden at just her third start, following a hugely promising second at Goulburn two weeks beforehand behind the talented Il Dominatore which put the writing on the wall for the team.

“She ran beyond expectations (at Goulburn) when at big odds and came through the run physically and mentally an improved horse. I knew she would be very hard to beat off that”.

Hard to beat she was, pressing for favouritism at a $3 quote, a far cry from her previous odds last start of $51.

The athletic bay may not provide Pfieffer with group success or be set for the metropolitan limelight, yet her natural sprint will be put to good use across the provincial circuit, chasing handy prize money and plenty of success to secure a possible stint as a broodmare later in her career.

Just forty minutes later, El-Issa cruised to the post on Sworn In to notch a deserving double in a generous partnership between jockey and trainer.

An outside gate and 58kg imposition did little to stop the momentum, and after easing back to the tail of the field after the jump Sworn In found himself nicely tucked away on the rails at the first turn leaving the straight.

By the back stretch Sworn In was cruising, safely held behind the pack as Just Dylan and Segenhoe went hammer and tong in front to create a true staying test over the 2000m journey.

The hectic pace strung the field out and by the turn a majority of runners appeared legless and out of breath, with Sworn In gradually piecing through the strugglers to be into the clear on turning.

In a hard fought slog, Agrionius and Rose’s Song were hard at work before Sworn In displayed his staying power, appreciating the strong pace to be clearing out and easily accounting for the field with room to spare in class-record time.

The double provided a huge thrill for the trainer who watched the races amidst the flamboyant spectacle of the Hong Kong International Raceday, surrounded by racing’s most dedicated punters and fans.From Sha Tin to Canberra, Pfieffer had plenty of reasons to celebrate.