Jockey Howard Cheng Yue-tin outwitted his rivals in the eight-horse Albert Handicap (1,400m), controlling the pace on Cerise Cherry and leading all the way to victory on the consistent Derek Cruz-trained performer. Cerise Cherry held off an early challenge for the lead from favourite Deposer (Ben So Tik-hung) before kicking clear in the straight to record a dominant 23/4-length victory over the fast-finishing Bouncer (Brett Prebble). 'With only eight runners in the field today it was easy to control the pace, and leading really suits this horse,' Cheng said. 'He loves a challenge and will fight right to the line, so I think Derek can look forward to better races with him this year. It wasn't the strongest race today, but Deposer had two barrier trials leading in and wasn't going to be easy to hold out. Cerise Cherry wasn't 100 per cent fit, he had not had a trial before the race and I think there is some improvement in him yet.'