STAR Australian import Mr Vitality duly staked his claim to the Horse Of The Year title when holding Deauville's determined challenge in the $1.9 million Sha Tin Vase yesterday.
The imposing son of Snippets won by 11/4 lengths with the first two pulling 23/4 lengths clear of Kukri Trophy winner Banker's Delight.
The overall time was a pedestrian one minute, 37.4 seconds - typical of these small fields - but there was no missing the quality of the final quarter as they rattled home in 22.2 seconds.
Mr Vitality now goes into the summer recess with a perfect four from four in Hong Kong.
Not surprisingly, he gets trainer Ivan Allan's vote for this season's equine championship which is likely to be a head-to-head affair between Mr Vitality and Derby winner Makarpura Star, who dead-heated with Survey King in last weekend's Champions and Chater Cup.
Patrick Biancone's prolific Bumper Star is set to run third.
'My opinion is a prejudiced one but I ask you this question,' said a rhetorical Allan after racing.