A regulation workout for Hong Kong's top-rated horse, Able Friend, in an all-star trial has kept the 1,300-pound beast up to the mark ahead of the Stewards' Cup on Sunday, January 25.

Trainer John Moore wasn't at Sha Tin for his star horse's trial - he is in Australia buying yearlings - with jockey Joao Moreira aboard the five-year-old.

Twelve days out from the HK$10 million race, Moreira let the big chestnut cruise in behind pacesetter Peniaphobia (Matthew Chadwick), who is entered in the Kent & Curwen Centenary Sprint Cup on the same day.

"He felt great," Moreria said of Able Friend, who hasn't raced since last month's four-and-a-half length demolition job in the Longines Hong Kong Mile.

"I was asked to give him an easy time and he gave me such a great feel. He trialled all the way through on the bridle and we are looking forward to the next race."

Also in the 1,000m heat were fellow Group One winners and Stewards' Cup rivals Ambitious Dragon (Maxime Guyon), Gold-Fun (Douglas Whyte), Blazing Speed (Neil Callan) and Glorious Days (Mirco Demuro).