The Japanese struck again for the international contingent when Danon Smash gave Ryan Moore another Group 1 success in The Longines Hong Kong Sprint (1200m).
Coming from the outside barrier, the Takayuki Yasuda-trained son of Lord Kanaloa finished best to defeat Lonhro’s underrated 9yo son Jolly Banner by a half-length with the Savabeel gelding Rattan a head back in third.
“He has had some real good form at times in Japan,” Moore said.
“I must admit I thought the barrier would make it difficult. But we got lucky and had a lovely run around.
He travelled sweetly and was very brave. He fought all the way and is just a pleasure to ride.”
The Everest hero Classic Legend was a step slow from his inside barrier. He had a few behind him on the turn and was blocked for a run in the straight. But he was a touch lethargic in the closing stages to clock in 11th on his Hong Kong debut.
Danon Smash went off at remarkably tasty odds for a horse that was coming off a last start second to Gran Alegria in the Group 1 Sprinters Stakes at Nakayama, which followed a win in the Group II Centaur Stakes.
It advances the record of Danon Smash to 10 wins, three seconds and a third from 22 starts.
Danon Smash emulates the deeds of his father Lord Kanaloa who won the race in 2012 and 2013.
He is the best of five winners from as many to race out of the Hard Spun (USA) mare Spinning Wildcat who is a three-quarter sister to War Chant out of the champion racemare Hollywood Wildcat (Kris S0 whose 12 wins included the Breeders' Cup Distaff, Gamely Hcp, and Hollywood Oaks.
