VETERAN handicapper Highway Patrol (14-1) came good for the first time in almost four years with a grinding success in yesterday's second event. The Chris Cheung Ting-pong trained 10-year-old battled to the line under Johnny K. S. Ho to hold the fast-finishing Po On King by half a length. There was a further head back to Niagara Falls who showed good speed dropping back to 1,200 metres and then stuck on gamely under crack apprentice Francis K. S. Lam. The essentially disappointing Sure Day ran fourth and while he is dropping down the weights he is unlikely to be back racing next season. For Cheung, it was win number seven of a season which could have been so much better as he has also sent out 16 second placegetters. For Ho, now one of the senior local riders, it was also his seventh success of the season. Highway Patrol had run second on no less than three occasions already this season and he went into the race a big chance on each of these runs, particularly his head second to Viva St Paul's over 1,030 metres on the equitrack in the autumn. From the top of the straight he always looked likely to wear down Niagara Falls, especially as he had the advantage of the far running rail. There was plenty of money for Lawrie Fownes' last start winner Speedy Kid, who jumped the 4-1 favourite despite having been raised an onerous 11 pounds in the ratings and being asked to compete over 200 metres less than last time. Speedy Kid was drawn 11 of the 14 runners and stable apprentice Richard K. M. So could never get him covered up. He was forced to travel wide and while looming up briefly after turning for home, he could only plug on at one pace. There was also money yet again for Petticoat Lane who opened the betting disputing favouritism with Speedy Kid. He was mid-division and never threatened.