It's only early days but Floral Pegasus looks every inch a top class horse with the amazing part of his all-the-way victory on Sunday being the remarkable time he recorded. The Tony Cruz-trained colt looked to be afforded a relatively easy time in the lead and victory was never in doubt with the three-year-old always travelling easily under Felix Coetzee. Despite appearing to have the race run to suit, he stopped the clock at one minute 21.8 seconds for 1,400 metres to equal Bearcat's class record. Bearcat was under the care of Tony Cruz and has held the record for 26 months. Floral Pegasus does everything so effortlessly but he was quick to get serious when Coetzee asked him the question with 200m remaining, lengthening like a class act. The Fusaichi Pegasus colt's rating was raised 11 points to 86 for the victory but he should have little problem making the rise to Class Two next time out and it won't be long before he gets a real test against some better class performers. Full credit to Sir Ernesto in running second and it won't be too long before he breaks his Hong Kong maiden status. Although he was given the run of the race on the back of the winner by Corey Brown, he finished strongly. The positive sign is that he was a lot more settled in running than his previous performances. The event will likely prove a strong form race in the months to come with third placegetter Amsterdam sure to break his maiden status soon, while Jiang Jun, who finished fourth, will just get better and better with experience. Danasinga three-year-old Jade Dragonfly turned in a very good debut effort in the opening race and the Paul O'Sullivan-trained gelding looks to have the making of a handy horse. He found the tempo of the event too strong but closed off smartly in the final stages to finish fifth to all-the-way winner Top Stitch. He has a stamp of quality about him and he will continue to come into himself with time and excel when he gets over a bit more ground. Good View Success was one of several hard luck stories to come out of the meeting but expect the four-year-old to make amends very soon for his fourth placing to Red Wine Supreme. After having a nice run, midfield on the fence, he was tight for room at the 200m and then didn't have any galloping room over the final stages. First Knight should have finished a lot closer than fifth to Lucky Packet after being held up in the straight and he looks certain to add to his tally before the season is out, likely when he gets a drop to Class Five. Five Grains rarely disappoints and he was another luckless runner. He eventually wound up sixth to Happee Owner after having little luck in the straight. His running style of coming from back in the field makes it hard for the seven-year-old to take the main prize often but be assured he will return to winning form as soon as he gets a race run to suit. Brett Prebble yesterday failed in his appeal against an improper riding charge, stemming from when he partnered Double Pleasure at Sha Tin on January 1. Prebble's suspension will take effect after tomorrow night's Happy Valley meeting and he will return to riding at the same course on February 15.
