Fownes said Sanziro will now join the David Hall-trained Absolute Champion as Hong Kong's representatives in the S$1 million Krisflyer Sprint at Kranji on May 18, where they will be confronted by Australia's globetrotting hero Takeover Target.

"I said before the race that if he runs in the first three here, with Sacred Kingdom in the race, he can go to Singapore," Fownes said. "Have a look at what he's done here, beaten only 2-1/4 lengths by the best sprinter in the world - you have to be pleased with that. This is a very honest horse, he's racing out of his skin this season and now that he's done that, he's definitely earned his way there."

Vincent Sit Shun-keung came out on the wrong side of racing's lawmen but was the only casualty from the stewards' deliberations.

Sit was found guilty, after pleading his innocence, of careless-riding on Royal Portrait at the top of the straight in the sixth event. He was suspended for three meetings.

Felix Coetzee took an unusual early mark after race three when a stomach bug left him feeling incapable of doing his best on his remaining mounts.

After riding Wiki Wiki in the third event on the all-weather track, he consulted the club doctor who then stood him down for the balance of the programme.

At least none of the other horses won, to worsen his condition, though Expeditious did run a fighting second to the Brett Prebble-ridden Cash Money in race seven.

If you think Way Leung Ming-wai is having a good season, you're absolutely right. In fact, when Dash Ahead sprinted home far too quickly for his rivals in the Philips Handicap (1,800m), it was Leung's 13th winner for the season.

It's been a rise back to prominence for the likeable local, who went the 2004-05 season without a winner after coming out of his apprenticeship and losing his claim.

But in the second half of 2005, the Jockey Club reviewed the system for claimers and gave him back a five-pound allowance, which has now been reduced to three pounds as a result of his success.

After six wins in 2005-06 and another six last term, Leung is "on fire" in reaching 13 by the first meeting in May. He has twice previously had 13 winners in a term, and therefore just needs one more to celebrate his arrival in virgin territory.

Thomas Yeung Kai-tong paid tribute to his boss, trainer Tony Millard, after reformed rogue Sevens Heaven made it back-to-back wins - and three victories for the season - in the Sony Handicap.

"This horse used to be very difficult in the gates and the boss has done an amazing job to turn it all around," Yeung said. "He looked like a promising horse early but then lost it, mentally.

"But the boss has been very patient, he's done an incredible amount of work with him in the barriers and finally, it's started to pay off."