7 months ago
22
NEO STAR, sold for $2.5 million by the Parsards’ Paradise at Spring Village at November’s Mixed Sale, yesterday ironically outbattled former stablemate and 2022 Gold Cup winner MAHOGANY to land division one of the King’s Plate at seven and a half furlongs.
MOJITO, the 2023 Guineas winner, made all in Division Two to turn back United States-bred UNSPUN, clocking a fast 1:31.2, dwarfing NEO STAR’s 1:32.4.
Since bought at last November’s Mixed Sale, NEO STAR, a winner of six races out of the Parsards’ camp, had faced superior company in three races for Anthony Nunes this season before taking on eight-year-old MAHOGANY.
Attempting to slip the field, MAHOGANY made his move at the half-mile marker but was quickly joined by NEO STAR three and a half furlongs out.
Though running strong on the lead, returning off a seven-month lay-up with topweight 126lb proved a tough ask for senior-citizen MAHOGANY against six-year-old NEO STAR carrying 111lb with claiming rider Richie Shakes.
NEO STAR stuck to his former stablemate and pointed midway the stretch run. MAHOGANY attempted a rally along the rail but was clearly plodding inside the final half-furlong, signalling the winter years of a former top-rated runner.
In the King’s Plate Overnight Allowance, MOJITO, similar to NEO STAR, benefitted from a claiming rider, Tajay Suckoo, taking his weight down to 117lb, which gave UNSPUN, carrying 120lb, no chance of catching him despite a gallant attempt.
Reporting off a near three-month lay-up with Lasix readministered, MOJITO was not for catching, showing glimpses of the horse that won the 2022 Jamaica Two-Year-Old Stakes as well as Prince Consort Stakes, Kington and 2000 Guineas in 2023.
Racing continues on Saturday.
English (US) ·