There was only a neck in it to Winningcombination (5-2) which could not have done more to win but was gunned down by a galloper who has simply stunned most observers.

Given his penchant for winning handily, it would take a fairly brave man to state categorically that Markgraf has come to the end of his run of success.

It was another winner for trainer Alex Wong Yu-on who is enjoying the best season of his career and Markgraf has certainly been a highlight of the fine run.

Markgraf is a classic case of a horse taking a lot of time to settle into Hong Kong and acclimatise. There were decent reports about the horse when he arrived but he was certainly not precocious.

Winningcombination shot clear at the top of the straight and looked all over a winner until Weaver and Markgraf came quickly into the picture. There was a length and a half back to the weakening Duet Danseurs (50-1).

Experience played a key role in deciding the outcome of the first event where topweight Best Of The Best (2-1 favourite) easily asserted superiority under Johnny Murtagh in the 1,000-metre dash.

Best Of The Best was going easily in the run, allowing the former Irish champion jockey to switch ground smoothly and obtain a winning passage.

The Ivan Allan-trained Par Excellence (16-1) put in a very encouraging run for second from 9-1 chance Proud Salute.

Faster Mount (5-2 favourite) finished a tame fourth while Universal Star (6-1) blew his chances when rearing as the gates opened.

Murtagh said: 'You can never underestimate the benefit of experience in this type of race. He was already a winner down the course and the straight five furlongs is not as simple as some people might think.

'He is a nice type and he won like a good horse should.'