Wednesday night’s last race at Sha Tin also went to Frankie So, with Classic Emperor producing the performance of the night to win the Class 2 Hebe Hill Handicap (1650m) by a widening six and three quarter lengths.

Chris So-trained Classic Emperor raced clear for a big success under Keith Yeung in the Class 2 Hebe Hill Handicap

By accomplished dirt sire Medaglia d’Oro out of a stakes-placed Malibu Moon mare, Classic Emperor has one of the more distinguished dirt pedigrees in Hong Kong but it wasn’t until start 26 that he made his debut on the surface.

“He was racing well on turf and races for his rating on the dirt are rare, so it just didn’t happen before now,” So said. “It’s a handy alternative to have now, even if the race set up perfectly for him with Tony Cruz’s horse (King Genki) setting that strong tempo. The owner really wanted to run in this race and it all panned out.”

Another to impress was Danny Shum-trained debutant Pick Number One. The three-year-old tipped the scales at 1213 pounds pre-race, but the Darci Brahma gelding had a motor to match his bulky frame, winning the first section of the Class 4 Tin Ha Shan Handicap (1200m) by a comfortable length and a half.

“He’d showed in his second trial that he had ability, he went head to head with one of John Size’s horses (Conte) and they both recorded good times,” he said. “He’s big but he’s a gentleman, very easy to train, and I think he’s still got a lot of improvement in him. On pedigree, he should be a miler in time, so there’s a bit to look forward to.”

Racing returns to Sha Tin on Sunday for Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse day, with Hong Kong’s oldest race, the G3 Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse Handicap (1800m), the feature.