FORMER Calcutta 'King' Lawrie Fownes lifted his first Hong Kong Derby when Super Fit took yesterday's Blue Riband event courtesy of a supreme rails ride from French star, Gerald Mosse. Super Fit, a wayward but talented son of Centaine, whose black coat goes with his dark moods, had two necks to spare over Ivan Allan's rank outsider All Thrills and Derek Cruz's terribly unlucky favourite, Our Pal. Super Fit wasn't the one with which most observers expected Fownes to strike: preference was for the unbeaten China Cruise in the most important event in the domestic racing calendar and he duly jumped as the 5-1 second favourite. But he was never racing kindly from his extreme outside draw and could only plug home for eighth. ''The result really reflects the preparation they've had,'' said Fownes immediately after he'd been presented with his fourth Derby trophy, having picked up two in Calcutta and one in Bangalore before moving to the territory 12 years ago. ''I've been training Super Fit for this race for the last four months. It may not have looked like that because he's run here, there and everywhere. ''He's such a difficult horse in the mornings that the only way to get him fit is to race him. ''In contrast, after a slight setback I was forced to concertina China Cruise's Derby preparation into seven weeks. ''In the end it just wasn't possible, especially from the barrier. From the outside gate Darren (Gauci) had to use him up for that first 300 metres and it is just too much when you are up against this level of opposition.'' Asked for Super Fit's next target, Fownes came up with the classic racing quote: ''That was his target.'' Fownes then went on: ''In my heart of hearts I was worried about him staying the 1,800 metres. ''But if anyone could get him to cuddle to the line over nine furlongs, it was Gerald and he gave him just about the perfect ride imaginable.'' Super Fit will now be given a good long rest and may not even race again this season as he has had a hard preparation to get him spot on for the Derby. China Cruise will also be rested by Fownes and he, too, may not be seen again until next season. Mosse has to be considered odds-on to return to Hong Kong to ride as stable jockey for Fownes a good part of next season, replacing Darren Gauci who could well go to Stephen Leung. If not, then a three-month licence will beckon. The Frenchman was formerly with Patrick Biancone before their shock split at the end of last season. When he went on to take the seventh on Crown Commander to complete a 65-1 double for Fownes, he was moving to 19 winners in an incredible last two months. To add a twist of Gallic irony to the day's proceedings, he was also edging out Biancone's Busy Win by an all-important head. Mosse had turned down the ride on Dashing, Arman's Sax and Accelerating in the week prior to the Derby. After studying hours of videos he made the seemingly surprise choice to settle for Super Fit despite that horse's poor run in the Derby Trial when he could only finish a disappointing ninth to Sterling Town. But his judgment was vindicated in no uncertain terms. ''Maybe this was a bit of a funny race as we seemed to slow down round the bend and the first two home are maybe best at sprinting,'' he said. Mosse leaves for France tomorrow night. He is currently retained by the Aga Khan and must obtain clearance from him before he can apply to ride for Fownes from November for five or six months next season. ''Of course I will be talking to the Prince but he is not the kind of guy you can just ring up and say, hello can I see you tomorrow,'' Mosse explained. ''He's a very busy man and maybe it will be few weeks before I can get to see him and get things sorted out.''