Odds-on favourite Lucky Sweynesse stood tall in the Group 1 The Chairman's Sprint Prize (1200m) at Sha Tin and took his place among the world's elite sprinters.
Ridden by Zac Purton for Manfed Man, Lucky Sweynesse was made to work in the early stages to track Joao Moreira on Master Eight.
There was little to worry about for supporters from there on in as the New Zealand-bred son of Sweynesse put three and a quarter lengths over Hugh Bowmen on the John Sized-trained Courier Wonder (Sacred Falls). The All Too Hard gelding Wellington fell short of making it three consecutive wins in the race but was far from disgraced in third.
It was the fifth consecutive win for Lucky Sweynesse, advancing his overall record to twelve wins, two seconds and a third from 16 starts.
Connections are contemplating an overseas trip for the 4yo gelding with The Everest and the Sprinters Stakes in Japan under discussion.
"He is just getting better this horse," Purton said.
"They will have a lot of fun with him next season.
"They made him work early to get in the position he got. He wasn't able to get into his rhythm for quite some time, but once he got there, he travelled beautifully. It was then a matter of conserving energy, so he had something left.
"He is clearly the sprint king of Hong Kong."
A $90,000 purchase for J & I Bloodstock from the Woburn Farm draft at the NZB Ready to Run Sale, Lucky Sweynesse is a full brother to Group I placed Signora Nera and is from stakes-winning Red Clubs mare Madonna Mia.
The family traces back to the brilliant Group winning filly Beach Gown, the dam of dual Group 1 winning sprinter Wrap Around the granddam of Champion 2YO Filly Fashions Afield.
Lucky Sweynesse is the flagship performer for Lonhro's dual Group III winner Sweynesse, who stands at Novara Park.
