Gerald Mosse continued his brilliant form with a winning treble but left Sha Tin discomfited after his successful afternoon soured with a careless riding ban on the first of his winners, Terrific Master.
The Tony Cruz-trained four-year-old has a big bag of tricks and had finished 10th twice since winning at Sha Tin in September, but he responded well to the Frenchman's good hands and patient tactics, settling in midfield before launching his winning run.
But it was the final 150m, where Terrific Master shifted in on Top Act and Dragon Bachelor as the fight got tight, which caught the eye of the stewards and caught Mosse a three-day ban to begin after November 23.
Perhaps Terrific Master's career is best summed up by his form line of 11 starts for three wins and no other first four placings, as he has been a horse who gets it wrong at times and his whole race goes out the window.
"I don't think he was comfortable at Happy Valley last time when he raced there so I'll keep him at Sha Tin," said Cruz. "Also, although he did win at 1,800m, coming back to 1,600m seems better for him because he doesn't get as much of a chance to get things wrong. He's made a few mistakes in the longer races but did it well today. I think he appreciated Gerald riding a patient race on him."
Mosse, who also won for John Moore aboard Selkirk Star and Exciting Dream has racked up seven wins from just 55 rides since his return this season.
He was not the only rider out of favour in the stewards' room, either, with the list of riders suspended or awaiting deferred suspensions growing ever longer at present.
In the second race, apprentice Alvin Ng Ka-chun caused interference in the final stages on Beauty Journey and also received a three-day suspension.
He will be out from November 24 to December 4.
