Fast Network is bound for a clash with the world’s best sprinter Ka Ying Rising in December after unleashing a scintillating finishing burst to win Wednesday’s Group Three National Day Cup (1,000m) at Sha Tin.

Relishing a drop back from the 1,400m of his seasonal reappearance and a return to blinkers, the Dennis Yip Chor-hong-trained gelding blasted home from second last to deliver jockey Alexis Badel a third National Day Cup victory in the past five years.

Settling several lengths off Bottomuptogether and Baby Crystal who battled for the lead, Fast Network ran on down the centre of the straight track to hit the front 200m out and held off a late burst from Raging Blizzard to score by a neck.

Raging Blizzard stormed home from last in the field of eight to just miss in an impressive first-up display, while Magic Control was beaten one and three-quarter lengths in third.

Wunderbar stalked the leaders and boxed on solidly for fourth, but the John Size-trained gelding didn’t live up to market expectations as the hot $2.1 favourite.

After breaking through for his first success of the season, Yip said Fast Network will progress to the Group Two Jockey Club Sprint (1,200m) next month before the ultimate test in December’s Group One Hong Kong Sprint (1,200m).

“He’s a very honest horse. After the last race, his form improved a lot in Conghua,” Yip said in reference to Fast Network’s close fourth to Markwin first up.

“If the pace is fast enough it is good for him. The 1,000m was good for him. Also, 1,200m when he gets a good draw, he’s very strong.

“Badel did a good job. He has a late finish, this horse, so in the early stages I told the jockey ‘just leave him alone, let him relax and he will finish well in the last 300.

“[The Hong Kong Sprint] is the target. I will try.”

Sourced from New Zealand where he was owned by former Hong Kong trainer Paul O’Sullivan, Fast Network improved his record to six wins from 13 starts and HK$10.17 million in prize money.

Badel chased the ride on Fast Network after his first-up run and was given the opportunity when the five-year-old’s regular rider, Zac Purton, committed to riding Beauty Waves.

The Tony Cruz-trained Beauty Waves could only manage sixth under top weight of 135lb.

Badel was thrilled to add Wednesday’s win to his two recent successes in the National Day Cup – Beauty Waves last year and Super Wealthy in 2021.

“It’s a good race to win actually and I knew he’d be a very strong contender in this race,” Badel said.

“I was chasing the ride and I’m grateful that the connections and trainer gave me the confidence in the ride and it’s always nice to deliver.

“I thought he won brilliantly. I probably hit the front a bit too soon because of the draw [in barrier one], but he had plenty to offer. It was great.”

The French jockey sealed a double when he lifted Max Que to a narrow victory in the final race, the Class Three Tianjin Handicap (1,400m).

Continuing a strong start to the season, Badel sits third in the jockeys’ championship behind Purton (13 wins) and equal with Hugh Bowman on six wins, but behind that rival with less seconds.