Japanese runner Tastiera, ridden by Damian Lane, claimed victory in the QE II Cup at Sha Tin, ensuring Japan wasn’t left empty-handed on the prestigious Champions Day.

Starting as the narrow second favourite at $3.70, Tastiera secured a 1¾-length win over fellow Japanese runner Prognosis ($3.40), delivering the quinella for Japan in the 2000-metre event.

“(Trainer) Noriyuki Hori is an amazing conditioner of horses and this horse is just a star,” Lane said.

Lane had previously ridden Tastiera to third in the Group 1 Hong Kong Cup behind Romantic Warrior and Liberty Island.

“He has really matured since I rode him in December and he has grown into a strong boy now and he was really impressive today,” Lane added.

The win came as a welcome turnaround for Lane after his mount in the Group 1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m), Danon McKinley, bled and finished last.

Meanwhile, four-time Group 1 winner Liberty Island suffered interference at the 350-metre mark and failed to finish the race.