Punters didn't warm to him, but last year's Hong Kong Sprint winner Inspiration sounded a siren that he will be around when the going gets tough in the big event again this year after providing Derek Leung Ka-chun with his biggest win in the Premier Bowl (1,200m).
Apprentice Leung, narrowly beaten on Fellowship recently at Group Three level, landed his first Group race for trainer John Moore in a faultless display on Inspiration, which could not have been better timed.
Holding off the late finish of stablemate One World (Darren Beadman), Inspiration wasn't the punters' friend, but set himself up to spearhead Moore's attack on the international sprint again this December.
'Inspiration has shown that he is world class - I'm not saying best in the world or anything like that, but if any of the bigger names make a mistake or are not quite on their game, he'll be there to pick up the pieces and win by a neck or a head,' Moore said.
'I thought with Derek's seven-pound claim today that Inspiration was probably the weight horse of the race.
'Derek gave him a great ride and he was able to hold off One World, who probably just needs to make another step up if he's going to compete at the very top level,' he added.
Moore said the prospect of facing Australian stars Scenic Blast and Apache Cat now beckons in the International Sprint Trial where Moore will also saddle up the exciting Happy Zero.