<p>Tastiera was triumphant on his return to Sha Tin as Japan's 2023 G1 Tokyo Yushun (2400m) hero dominated a thrilling renewal of the HK$28 million G1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin on Sunday.</p> <p>The five-year-old showed his aptitude for top-class racing in Hong Kong when third to Romantic Warrior in the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m) in December.</p> <p>The local champion had won this contest for the last three years but sat it out this time, leaving Tastiera to stamp his class on a glittering international field for rider Damian Lane for trainer Noriyuki Hori.</p> <p>"Noriyuki Hori is an amazing conditioner of horses and this horse is just a star," Lane said.</p> <p>"It's a great success for Carrot Farm. It's just a privilege. It's what it's all about. I just feel privileged and lucky to be here on these days, let alone having great chances on these horses.</p> <p>"It is what being a jockey is all about, competing in these big international carnivals. It's very rewarding."</p> <p>While it was Lane's first victory in the HK$28 million race, it was Hori's second after Neorealism's success in 2017. It was Japan's seventh win in the contest since 2002.</p> <p>"I'm very, very grateful for all the support from the Jockey Club to travel to Hong Kong and give us a great opportunity to come over here," Hori said.</p> <p>"It's been a while since my last runner in Hong Kong, but I'm very grateful to win today. In my stable, only Maurice won on his first trip to Hong Kong.</p> <p>"Since Tastiera's third in the Hong Kong Cup, we targeted this race considering he was suitable to the track conditions and change in environment."</p> <p>Hori confirmed Tastiera would likely return to avenge his Hong Kong Cup defeat in December, while adding of Lane: "Damian's one of the greatest team members in our stable. We've had a relationship for a long time and he always gives us good feedback."</p> <p>Already a winner of the 2022 G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Vase (2400m) aboard Win Marilyn, Lane's latest major Sha Tin strike was achieved in remarkably smooth circumstances.</p> <p>Tastiera broke swiftly from gate ten and settled into fourth position in the back straight as New Zealand star El Vencedor carved out the early tractions under Zac Purton.</p> <p>While Lane maintained a prominent position, fancied runners Goliath, Liberty Island and Prognosis were forced to settle further towards the rear in a steadily run race.</p> <p>Tastiera travelled up strongly to the quarters of El Vencedor and Cap Ferrat at the head of the home straight and soon skated into a clear lead.</p> <p>He never looked like being caught and scored comfortably by a length and three-quarters, with Lane punching the air in delight after the line.</p> <p>Prognosis, runner-up for the last two years for fellow Japanese trainer Mitsumasa Nakauchida, filled the same position again, while Bahrain's Calif produced an excellent effort to clinch third.</p> <p>Tastiera's win prevented a clean sweep for the locals in three Group 1 races on FWD Champions Day, with Ka Ying Rising scorching home in the HK$22 million G1 Chairman's Sprint Prize (1200m) and Red Lion nailing Voyage Bubble in the HK$24 million G1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m).</p>