Courageous Russian Pearl Heads Kiwi Trifecta In Hong Kong Steward's Cup

Classy New Zealand bred, Russian Pearl (Soviet Star x Velinda) netted a first Group One in Hong Kong as he edged out fellow Kiwi, Best Gift (Bahhare x Shock Attack), to win the Stewards' Cup (1600m) at Sha Tin yesterday.

Making light of two serious injuries that have kept his appearances limited to just seven starts in a season and a half, the tenacious Russian Pearl had a short head to spare over Best Gift in the first leg of the Triple Crown Series.

Russian Pearl ran fourth to Vengeance Of Rain in December's Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Cup when making his first start in eight months after an injury to his left-fore tendon, a setback that came not long after damage to the suspensory ligament on his right fore.

Despite these setbacks, it is testament to Russian Pearl's quality that he has still been able to run second in the Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Derby and place third in the Audemars Piguet QEII Cup.

Jockey Gerald Mosse gradually eased Russian Pearl into the race around the bend and once the Soviet Star gelding hit the front his never-say-die attitude repelled the brave efforts of Best Gift.

The Duke (Danehill x Mer du Sud), consistent as ever, finished third.

Trained by Tony Cruz, Russian Pearl comes from the sole New Zealand crop of foals by Soviet Star. Also from that crop comes 5 times Group One winner and World Champion Miler, Starcraft (Soviet Star x Flying Floozie).

Like Starcraft, Russian Pearl was sold through the New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale in 2002, fetching $37,500 to the bid of Cambridge bloodstock agent, Stuart Hale.

Initially trained in New Zealand by Bruce Marsh, Russian Pearl was amongst the upper echelon of New Zealand three-year olds, successful in the Gr.1 Levin Classic (1600m) in 2003.

"He has had those injury problems before so I just hope he pulls up well and is sound in the morning," said Cruz.

"If that's all good, he will next go for the Hong Kong Gold Cup, the second leg of the Triple Crown at the end of next month, and then attempt the Dubai Duty Free late in March, the first leg of the Asian Mile Challenge. The race there is just short of 1800m and that would be his perfect distance.

"He's not a very big horse but he is well balanced and he has lots of class. He's like a Mini Cooper with a Porsche engine!"

Runner up, Best Gift was offered by Wenvoe Lodge through New Zealand Bloodstock's Select Sale in 2002. The son of Bahhare is a brother to the Shane Kennedy trained, Hurrah, a Group One winner in New Zealand this season.

Third placegetter, The Duke, was a $200,000 purchase at the 2001 Premier Yearling Sale by New Zealand Bloodstock on behalf of the Hong Kong Jockey Club. Haunui Farm will offer a half sister to The Duke by O'Reilly at Lot 447 of next week's New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale, which commences on Monday 30th January.