It certainly wasn't a case of saving the best for last but the cream of Hong Kong's sprinters set the tone for a revealing barrier trial session on the Sha Tin turf yesterday morning.
No prisoners were taken as Best Of The Best, Fairy King Prawn and Oriental Express matched motors in the opening heat. And although Best Of The Best took the decision, connections of the other two giants would have been well pleased with their efforts.
Oriental Express has brilliant gate speed for a confirmed middle-distance performer and he set a brisk early pace to lead the field onto the course proper.
Eric Saint-Martin didn't knock him about and he finished alongside the young pair at the finish. There was little to choose between the winner and Fairy King Prawn and they look set for some titanic clashes this season.
In behind, Johan Cruyff was given a solid hitout in his first test for new mentor David Hayes and he looked a ball of muscle as he strode to the line strongly in fourth.
And Hayes would have been beaming with the effort of his Derby hope Kenwood Melody who moved fluently throughout for Basil Marcus. He arrived here from Australia with some impressive form under his belt and simply oozes quality.