THE switch of racetracks back to Sha Tin was a vital factor in bottomweight Planet's success in the final event yesterday.
Continuing the excellent season of local trainer Lam Hung-fie, Planet (10-1) easily held off the determined challenge of Derby hope Gay Pegasus II (3-1 favourite) - a result that may not have pleased but did not entirely surprise Irish champion jockey Mick Kinane.
Australian Darren Gauci was back on board Planet yesterday after Kinane had ridden the four-year-old Irish import at his last start at the city track of Happy Valley.
And both international stars agreed on one thing - Planet is infinitely better off at Sha Tin.
Said Gauci: ''I think the owners were keen to start him at Happy Valley because it was a cup race but I must say that I had my doubts about him handling the track.
''He didn't and I was equally sure he would run a decent race today although I thought it was quite a competitive race. But he travelled really well and I was able to ease him out and get a good run halfway down the straight.'' There was a length in it at the finish of the Class Three, 1,800-metre event which Gay Pegasus II really had to win to give real substance to Derby claims in late February.
He was given absolutely every chance by Kinane who said: ''I thought going into the race that Planet could be a danger. He just couldn't handle the turns at Happy Valley but he had worked a treat for me going into that last race.
