by Mike Curry

Undefeated star sprinter Overdose opened his four-year-old season with a record-setting victory on Sunday at Kincsem Park in Hungary.

A multiple Hungarian champion who was high-weighted at five to seven furlongs on the Italian and German Free Handicap, Overdose drilled 1,000 meters (4.98 furlongs) in :54.60, more than three seconds faster than the previous course record.

Ridden by Christophe Soumillon, the four-year-old Starborough colt was well clear of his nearest challenger in front of more than 20,000 fans, who collapsed the wagering system at Kincsem.

“The horse was in a 60% state of fitness and performed to about 70% of its ability," jockey Christophe Soumillon told the American Foreign Press.

Overdose seized command after about 400 meters and powered free to his 12th victory from as many starts for trainer Sandor Ribarski and owner Zoltan Mikoczy.

"It was not a tactic to travel with the rest of the horses in the beginning of the race,” Soumillon said. “Simply, we should not make him run at his best because this is not his main target."

Mikoczy purchased Overdose for a mere $3,979 at the 2006 Tattersalls Ltd. December yearling sale. Overdose, who is considered to best horse to come from Hungary since the great Kincsem in the 1870s, will be pointed toward a European campaign, beginning with the betfred.com Temple Stakes (Eng-G2) on May 23 at Haydock Park.

Mike Curry is a Thoroughbred Times TODAY editor