Some said Brett Prebble could have been a rich man if he'd had a HK$1,000 note for everyone who shook his hand and wished him a happy birthday, but the Australian ace went out and got it himself with a brilliant three-timer."Gee, everyone seemed to know about it. I can't remember a birthday getting this much airplay before," laughed Prebble, who, for the record, turned 33. "But it was a nice day. I came here with some solid chances and good draws and that bit of luck went their wa

Some said Brett Prebble could have been a rich man if he'd had a HK$1,000 note for everyone who shook his hand and wished him a happy birthday, but the Australian ace went out and got it himself with a brilliant three-timer.

"Gee, everyone seemed to know about it. I can't remember a birthday getting this much airplay before," laughed Prebble, who, for the record, turned 33. "But it was a nice day. I came here with some solid chances and good draws and that bit of luck went their way to make my job easier."

Prebble's first two came for the "King Of the Valley", Caspar Fownes, on My Way and Prime Target, before he added Vaugirard for David Hall in race nine and then finished third in the last to snatch away a Jockey Challenge that had seen Douglas Whyte firm to as short as 1.08 favourite mid-meeting. Attention to detail is what has made Fownes and Prebble such a deadly combination around Happy Valley in recent seasons, and it was the niceties of his ride on Prime Target that made the difference for Prebble in the Hong Kong Country Club Challenge Cup (1,800m).

It was Prime Target's first win for almost 18 months, with the seven-year-old going winless last term while still hovering up the ratings, paying for a three-win season in 2007-08.

"I had gate five and could have crossed over to the rail if I'd wanted to but I held my spot two wide," Prebble said. "I probably drove Olivier Doleuze mad on Great Bauhinia on my outside, keeping him out wide when there was a space on the rail for me, but that's what happens sometimes. Caspar had insisted that I didn't got to the rail on Prime Target and looking back, I wouldn't have won if I had."

It was Prime Target's fifth win, the fourth over the 1,800m at Happy Valley, but Prebble feels that a look at something further is needed.

"He's getting older now and even the 1,800m feels a touch sharp for him," he said.

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