It certainly wasn't a case of saving the best for last.
The appearance of top galloper Johan Cruyff in the opening heat of yesterday's barrier trial session at Happy Valley brightened what was an otherwise lacklustre morning for trackwatchers as the five-year-old powered away to win effortlessly in good time for a trial.
Trainer Patrick Biancone sent last year's Derby winner out with new Club jockey Freddie Sanchez on top and after tracking Sai Kung Prestige and Hung Hing Tai to the home turn, Johan Cruyff strode clear to take the heat from Tea For You and a weakening Hung Hing Tai.
There was no quality in the opposition but Biancone's stable star did the job well and looks on course to play a major role in Hong Kong's defence of the Queen Elizabeth II Cup next month.
Sai Kung Prestige and Hung Hing Tai had set a solid pace in front but Sai Kung Prestige found little in the straight and looks one to avoid - he appeared to work better in the blinkers before disappointing last start and this effort only confirmed suspicions that he is mediocre.
Ever Gain, an unraced son of Nureyev, ran on nicely for Douglas Whyte and looks one to keep tabs on.