Champions Day at Sha Tin had its share of drama, but Damian Lane ensured Japan did not leave empty-handed with a classy victory aboard Tastiera in the QE II Cup.

Tastiera, backed into $3.70 second favourite behind Prognosis ($3.40), delivered strongly, winning the 2000m Group 1 event by 1¾ lengths to complete a dominant Japanese one-two.

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

“I have had great success for (owners) Carrot Farm and to win for them is a privilege.”

Lane previously rode Tastiera to a strong third in December’s 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 helped ease Lane’s earlier misfortune when his mount Danon McKinley bled during the Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) and finished tailed off.

Liberty Island, one of the stars of the day, unfortunately met interference near the 350m and, along with French contender Goliath, failed to complete the race.