Win Marilyn strikes for Japan in Hong Kong

Win Marilyn (50-9) produced a storming late run to deny French raider Botanik in the Longines Hong Kong Vase at Sha Tin.

Trained by Takahisa Tezuka and ridden by Damien Lane, Win Marilyn had not been beaten far in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup on her latest start and sealed her first Group One success in style.

Senor Toba set out to make all in the 12-furlong contest, with William Buick setting in second aboard the Andre Fabre-trained Botanik while Ryan Moore and Stone Age, who is trained by Aidan O'Brien race keenly on his heels in third.

It looked as though Buick was in prime position in the straight when Senor Toba began to back pedal, but Lane was lining up Win Marilyn for her run, sweeping round the outside of the field.

Fellow Japanese runner Glory Vase, who was bidding for a third successive win in the race, tried to go with her, but Win Marilyn was just too strong.

Botanik held on for second, with Glory Vase third and Stone Age fifth. His fellow O’Brien inmate Broome failed to figure in the finish, coming home eighth.

Tezuka said: "After the Queen Elizabeth II Cup, we got together and unanimously decided to target this race.

"The mare was at her optimum trip and Damien gave her the perfect ride.

"It’s my first winner here and I’m incredibly proud."

Another French runner, Bubble Gift, finished sixth while German contender Mendocino reared as the stalls opened and lost any chance.

Royal Ascot could be on the agenda for Wellington (63-20) following his victory in the Longines Hong Kong Sprint.

He suffered a surprise defeat at the hands of Lucky Sweynesse on his most recent start and pulled up lame, but Wellington reversed that form in the hands of Ryan Moore, substituting for regular partner Alexis Badel who was injured in a fall