John Moore described his position with regard to next month’s HKG1 Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Derby as “very enviable” after Zaidan hung on from the fast-finishing Sweet Orange in a breath-taking climax to the HKG1 Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Classic Cup at Sha Tin today.

Olivier Doleuze held Zaidan off the pace in mid rank through the 1800m test and, after pulling out for a clear run turning in, drove the Street Cry gelding to what appeared to be a commanding lead with 300m remaining.

But with the line fast approaching, the Sha Tin crowd erupted as a late threat emerged in the form of the fast-finishing Sweet Orange, hero of last month’s HKG1 Mercedes-Benz HK Classic Mile, who swept home down centre track to get to within a nose of Zaidan at the wire.

“Zaidan’s a different horse (since we gelded him),” commented Moore. “He’s more genuine and today we got a good run in behind with very little incident along the way. He kicked hard and the only thing the jockey said was that when he hit the front, he pricked his ears and half wanted to pull up; so Olivier will have to be careful of that when he rides him in the Derby, which I think he will do.”

Doleuze was thrilled to win the equivalent race for a third time in five years, having partnered Green Birdie (2008) and Unique Jewellery (2009) to success.

“John said to put a few horses in front of him,” revealed the Frenchman, “so I had him between 5th and 7th. He travelled nicely through the race and when I saw the horse in front was stopping, I pulled him out and asked him and he gave me very good acceleration. It was a good win.”

Moore saddled five of the 14 runners today, all of whom hold entries for the four-year-old showpiece the Mercedes-Benz HK Derby, on 18 March, and was particularly delighted to see Dominant improve on his recent Hong Kong debut to take third under Neil Callan.

“He just needed to be held up,” said the champion trainer. “He was a victim of circumstances last time and Neil was a little bit in a hurry on him. Today he got settled in behind and he closed off – Neil said he probably would have won the race had he got a clear passage at the right point. With respect to the Derby, we are very excited – we’ve a got a horse here that also has a live chance. Neil got off and said that this is the one they’ve got to beat in the Derby.”

Moore was also satisfied with last year’s G1 Irish Champion Stakes fourth Dan Excel, who came home three lengths 7th, and Smart Giant’s game effort in placing 6th.

“Dan Excel got trapped deep – he was five deep coming into the corner and he’s finished beside Fay Fay,” continued the champion trainer. “Smart Giant got home very nicely running just inside Fay Fay. Dominant’s run was exemplary and you can’t take anything away from Zaidan.”

Sweet Orange had Zaidan back in eighth when winning the Mercedes-Benz HK Classic Mile in a tight finish from Fay Fay, but found himself last of the 14 runners turning for home after being hampered by a wide 13 draw.

The David Ferraris-trained colt remains on course for next month’s Derby after posting the fastest final 400m of any of his rivals at 22.26 seconds. That blistering final burst gives jockey Weichong Marwing hope going forward to the Mercedes-Benz HK Derby.

“The draw was a nightmare,” said the rider. “David Ferraris said not to force the horse, just to leave him at the back. He has run enormous, there’s no question about it. The extra 200m of the Derby will suit, so I’m happy.”

Fay Fay, runner-up in the Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Classic Mile (Four-Year-Old Series 1st Leg) and sent off favourite for today’s contest, finished two lengths back in fourth as Zaidan stopped the clock at 1m 48.70s.

Today’s contest, regarded as the 2nd Leg of the Four-Year-Old series, leaves race fans with a mouth-watering prospect when the main protagonists renew rivalry in the 3rd Leg, the Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Derby.