Classic Series assignments could await the promising Blazing Wukong after his taking debut win in the Class Four The Hilltop In The Valley Handicap (1,200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday.

Going off at $5 on the back of some interesting trials, Blazing Wukong was settled towards the back early on under Andrea Atzeni and looked to be going nowhere quickly when racing greenly at the 400m pole.

As the leaders began to tire, Atzeni managed to galvanise his willing partner and the pair burst through between horses to grab Wonderstar approaching the line, ultimately winning going away by half a length.

It was a performance that left trainer Ricky Yiu Poon-fai with plenty of hope that he has a good one on his hands.

“He was second-last and to make up that amount of ground in the straight – he has a huge stride and responded well,” said Yiu. “I’ve always been a believer that he will do well – he will get a mile.

“This year he’ll stay in this class, we only won by half a length.”

There were plenty of reasons for Atzeni to smile too, with the Sardinian bringing up his 100th Hong Kong winner on Blazing Wukong.

“It’s great to get to that number. I didn’t realise I was that close,” Atzeni said. “I had obviously forgotten the three winners I had ridden 10 years ago.

“To get to 100 is pretty good. It’s great to do it with Ricky and owner Jason Chan [Kam-kwan] is a good friend of mine. I’ve ridden Nimble Nimbus for him and this horse is a nice one.”

Earlier on Sunday, Britney Wong Po-ni and Manfred Man Ka-leung burst out of the barriers to steal away the first two races on the card.

Their perfect start began with Tseun Wan Glory’s comfortable success in the Class Five Celebrating Timeless Tradition Handicap (1,400m).

Wong stalked leader Happy Tango down the back straight and turning into the lane, she pounced and drove her mount into an unassailable lead.

Things got even better just 30 minutes later when Patch Of Watch was given an expertly judged front-running ride to fend them all off in the Class Five Ownership Pride Handicap (1,200m).

Wong crossed over to the rail early from gate nine on the I Am Invincible galloper and never looked back, with the jockey still swinging on the bridle turning into the home straight.

In a race where few got involved, Wong kept up the gallop and held off Hinokami Kagura by two lengths.

It continued a solid season for apprentice Wong, who heaped praise on Man for all the chances she has been given.

“Very good double to start off the day,” Wong said. “I’m grateful for all the opportunities Manfred has given me.

“[Patch Of Watch] has matured a lot. He has always had ability but he was mentally immature and not quite settled but now he knows what his purpose is in Hong Kong.”

Man was quick to return the compliment to Wong, who now sits on 16 wins for the campaign.

“It’s been over a year [since Tsuen Wan Glory last won]. He carried no weight – he had 116lbs minus 10lbs for Britney’s claim. The 10lbs off made the difference,” said Man.