An unusual plan paid big dividends for the connections of Ammirati when the big gelding confirmed New Zealand Derby plans with a dominant victory in the Listed Trackside Gingernuts Salver (2100m) at Ellerslie on Sunday.

Hellbent is enjoying a career best season and it extends to Hong Kong with a winning double at Sha Tin on Sunday featuring first time winner Snowthorn and exciting four year-old Invincible Ibis, who is heading towards the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) on February 1.