Hong Kong Lad looks a horse of the future, notwithstanding the fact that he was ruled out of the International Sale in December with a low-grade wind problem.
The son of emerging super sire Redoute's Choice made short work of another smart griffin, Inspiration, over the straight 1,000 metres at Sha Tin on Saturday and the way he spread this field out over 201/2 lengths suggests the form is strong.
The race independently rated some two lengths better than the average for griffins, with Inspiration turning in an identical performance to his debut victory on February 19. Yet here he was beaten 21/4 lengths by Hong Kong Lad.
Hong Kong Lad is unlucky not to be two from two, having been beaten by ill luck on debut when Brett Prebble was caught in a zip-fastened pocket and had nowhere to go.
There's little doubt he would also have won that day and punters got it absolutely right when they bet him down to a $15.50 favourite this time.
Hong Kong Lad's breathing impediment means he makes a slight noise when he's galloping full bore.
If that's any impediment, then heaven help his rivals if he's getting a full supply of oxygen.