Sha Tin Double for Nicconi

Nicconi finished the last Australian racing season with 99 winners on the board, the Widden Stud quiet achiever making his presence felt in Hong Kong on Saturday at the first meeting of the season at Sha Tin with a winning double.

First to salute was four year-old gelding Beauty Master, who scored over 1000 metres as favourite for the Tony Cruz stable.

A $150,000 Magic Millions purchase from the Widden Stud draft, Beauty Master had won two of four starts for Gerald Ryan in Australia under the name of Backstab before being sold to Hong Kong with this win sure to be the first of many his new location.

Making it a winning double later in the day was four year-old gelding Adventurer, who raced away to win over 1000 metres by nearly four lengths in a slick 56.13 seconds.

An $80,000 Magic Millions purchase from the Emirates Park draft, Adventurer has won three of seven starts in Hong Kong outing together a winning hat-trick having won his final two starts last season before his triumphant return.

Nicconi is fully booked this spring at a fee of $11,000.