Was Phar Lap a closer or an on-pacer?

Question

I've read a few different books and articles, and some describe him as a closer such as the movie, and others such as a book described as "the most correct book on Phar Lap's life" as an on-pacer.

I'm very confused...

Answer 1

Phar Lap had tremendous natural speed.  He probably would have preferred to be on the pace in every race he ran but usually his jockey was able to hold him back and make one late run.  http://www.tbheritage.com/Portraits/Phar...

Answer 2

Phar lap was a closer to me.  But you could see in his eyes that he could do both.  He was a come from behind horse and that really takes a great horse because, they say that once a horse is looked in the eye when other horses are passing that the horse will not run his heart out. Some of the papers I have read on him really doesn't say anything about the come from behind aspect because he could run pace.

Answer 3

Phar lap was a closer to me