Top sprinter Zac Spirit showed that his injury woes were behind him after he recorded a stylish win the $800,000 Group 1 Lion City Cup (1200m) on Sunday.

The Flying Spur six-year-old was at his second triumph in the Lion City Cup two years after capturing the premier sprint race as a four-year-old in a season which saw him clinch the Singapore champion sprinter award as well.

But that glittering career suddenly hit the skids last year when he was diagnosed with a knee chip after an ordinary run in the Group 1 KrisFlyer International Sprint (1200m). It was a big blow for not just his trainer Cliff Brown but also his owners Andy and Genni Wong of Zac Stable.

Luckily, such a setback is not career-threatening and Brown’s suggestion to send Zac Spirit back to Australia to recuperate proved to be a winning move.

The gelding has come back fully healed, and though obviously a little burly, has taken little time in shaping back to battle-ready form. After a cracking second first-up to Emperor Max in the second Leg of the Singapore Sprint Series, the Group 3 Kranji Sprint (1200m) three weeks ago, the second-up run in the one that mattered the most was right on the money.

Ridden by new partner Vlad Duric, Zac Spirit, who shortened to $13 favouritism, followed in an ideal spot in fifth on the rails as Emperor Max (Danny Beasley) shared the lead with Spalato (Corey Brown) on the outside, before taking closer order from the 600m.

Upon straightening, Spalato dropped off quickly but not Emperor Max who showed his customary courage and resilience by kicking clear at the 300m for a move that was highly reminiscent of his Kranji Sprint win.

Zac Spirit was hooked out for his run and at the 300m a riveting showdown between him and his Kranji Sprint nemesis was materialising. Urged on by Duric, Zac Spirit poked his head in front but Emperor Max is never one to throw in the towel.

The black and pink colours fought back again on the rails for what looked like another one of his amazing escapes from defeat, but Zac Spirit had the wood this time, with one length to spare from Stephen Gray’s valiant warrior.

Super Winner (Elione Chaves), noted better for his Polytrack qualities, flew home late for third another 2 ½ lengths away to deny Spalato of a place on the podium by one length. The winning time was a smart 1min 8.45sces, just 0.61 second the course record established by Sacred Kingdom seven years ago, a reflection of the early frantic pace set by Emperor Max and Spalato.

Brown, who does not normally wear his heart on his sleeve at the post-race interviews, was for once emotional, and understandably so. The former Victorian-based trainer tagged the day as his “best” ever.

“I don’t normally get carried away; at least I don’t think I do, but I have to say I was shaky when this happened today,” said the Australian who also captured the other feature, the Group 2 Singapore Three-Year-Old Classic (1400m) with Debt Collector earlier.

“I’ve had a few good days before, but this is the best. I’m so glad for the Wongs who have stood by me from Day 1 when I decided to send Zac back to Australia.

“There was a lot of work to bring him back and that goes across the board, from (assistant-trainer) Timmy (Fitzsimmons), Chris (Bock) to the syces and the track rider who rides him every day. It’s a huge team effort.

“I thought he was too far back in the race, but when I saw him improve before the home turn, I was like “Crikey! He really is travelling!”.

“It’s amazing what he’s done. He’s won the Lion City Cup two years ago and he’s won it again, after injury.”

Duric, who only knew Zac Spirit through the internet as he only made his comeback this February after four years of absence, was glad and grateful he was the one hand-picked to partner the champion sprinter.

“I only recently returned to Singapore and I have to thank Cliff and the owners for the opportunity. I only watched his races on TV when I was in Australia and I knew how good he was,” said Duric.

“The way the horse has returned to form is a real credit to Cliff and the owners. They had the vision to send him to Australia and that has helped him come back better.

“Every time I’ve ridden him, he’s just got better and better. There was never much between him and Emperor Max and he’s just had a bit of luck today and he’s won.

“Midrace I was a little half-hearted whether I should get closer when Max and Spalato were in front. I got the opportunity to creep up to them and he was just too good.”

With that 11th win, Zac Spirit has now brought his earnings past the $1.7 million mark for his lucky owners, the Zac Stable.

On a sadder note, both Emperor Max and Spalato returned having bled.