Racing: Relaxed Kristov impossible to catch after taking lead

The consistent Kristov could be a freak 2000m galloper.

The horse rider Hayden Tinsley describes as the new Mr Ed, found his true place in racing when he tried 2000m for the first time in Saturday's $150,000 Starcraft New Zealand Stakes.

He might have won $343,140 at distances up to 1600m, but Saturday proved a big point.

The way he relaxed in front during the early part of this race - more relaxed than he's ever been before - made him impossible to beat.

The sectionals required to run home from the 800m to beat Kristov at 2000m are not within the capabilities of most horses.

There was severe doubt in some minds Kristov could extend his remarkable ability to 2000m.

If Tinsley had a fraction of doubt that completely disappeared within the first 400m on Saturday.

"I thought he'd relax in front, but not to the extent he did. He's amazing - you can talk to him.

"I just have to say 'go fast' or 'ease up' and he listens. He's the easiest horse to ride."

Kristov got away with such cheap early sectionals that he had only to clock a relatively pedestrian 2.03.7 to comfortably beat Hurrah and Shikoba.

Tinsley rates Kristov one of the best he has ridden.

"Phillip [Stevens] was congratulating me and I was congratulating him - we should both have been congratulating the horse."

Co-owner and trainer Stevens and his two owners, Charlie Beckett and studmaster Greg Meads, now have some big decisions to make about the future.

Kristov's earnings are heading towards half a million, but suddenly there is the potential to double or treble that via an Australian campaign.

Even though Kristov is capable of fast early sectionals at around 1400m, the advantage he receives from that in New Zealand would be negated in Australia because there are two or three at least as fast in every half decent race across the Tasman.

It will be a different matter over 2000m where he would have the opportunity to lead on his own as he does in New Zealand.

In keeping with the old line that you should never make plans on a raceday, Stevens was holding himself back from firming on any thoughts on Saturday.

"The spelling paddock is one option, but he's right at the top of his game and if you look at the fields for races like the Chipping Norton Stakes in Sydney today, they're not strong."

Tinsley confirmed that Kristov felt right on a knife-edge on Saturday.

"He felt a little fresh when he took on Darci Brahma at Otaki, but he was a different horse today."

Starcraft would have been proud of the winner of the race that carries his name for the first time.

Kristov's co-owner Greg Meads thanked Starcraft's visionary owner Paul Makin during his victory speech in Ellerslie's winners' circle hospitality room.

" ... not only for today, but when you brought Starcraft over for the Hastings meeting you rejuvenated racing. Then it's a wonderful thing to sponsor this race."

The sponsorship was a commercial venture to launch the Southern Hemisphere stud career of Starcraft.

Makin and John Messara, the principal of Arrowfield Stud, where Starcraft will stand in Australia, were at Ellerslie and in advance of the group one race they announced Starcraft's service fee of $30,000.

"And we will offer a $5000 subsidy for New Zealand mares to travel to Australia for service."

After a world headline-grabbing year on the racetrack, Starcraft has just begun his stud career which will see him serve 100 mares at Cheveley Stud in the Northern Hemisphere.

"He's pretty sexy," said Makin and he was referring to Starcraft's new job rather than his overall demeanour.

"He showed a lot of interest in the first two test mares he covered."

Makin said he is cutting down on his current racing team to allow himself plenty of room to race what he hopes will be the best six sons or daughters of Starcraft.

Hurrah will head to the spelling paddock after proving that his dismal Whakanui Stud effort at Te Rapa was a temporary glitch.

"He's proved he's worth aiming at the Kelt Capital in the spring," said co-trainer Shane Kennedy after Hurrah chased Kristov home.