Hong Kong’s Champions Day wouldn’t have felt complete without Japan making an impact, and Damian Lane ensured it happened, steering Tastiera to an impressive win in the QE II Cup.
In the 2000-metre feature, Tastiera, who jumped a narrow second pick at $3.70 behind stablemate Prognosis ($3.40), prevailed by 1¾ lengths to complete a Japanese quinella in the Group 1 contest.
“(Trainer) Noriyuki Hori is an amazing conditioner of horses and this horse is just a star,” Lane said.
“I have had great success for (owners) Carrot Farm and to win for them is a privilege.”
Lane had previously partnered Tastiera to third in the Group 1 Hong Kong Cup behind Romantic Warrior and Liberty Island four months earlier.
“He has really matured since I rode him in December and he has grown into a strong boy now and he was really impressive today,” Lane added.
The victory provided a welcome boost for Lane, whose earlier ride in the Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) ended in disappointment when Danon McKinley bled and finished last.
Meanwhile, four-time Group 1 winner Liberty Island’s day ended badly after suffering interference at the 350-metre mark, also bringing down French visitor Goliath, and failing to finish the race.