Beauty Only (photo Grant Courtney)

 Irish-bred gelding Beauty Only became the ninth Group 1 winner for Aquis Farm's Holy Roman Emperor (IRE) when a fast-finishing winner of the Group 1 Longines Hong Kong Mile at Sha Tin.

Worse than midfield in the run, the Tony Cruz-trained gelding finished powerfully to give Zac Purton his second Group 1 winner on the day. He defeated Helene Paragon (Fr) by a half-length with Joyful Trinity (Ire) the same distance back in third. 

Beginning his career in Italy, Beauty Only won the Group III Premio Guido Berardelli (1800m) at Capannelle, when known as Gentleman Only, before being sold to Hong Kong.

Winner last year of the  Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) , Beauty Only advances his overall record to 10 wins, 5 seconds and 3 thirds from 28 starts.

"I think we haven’t seen the best of him yet," Cruz said

"From the day we bought him, we had high expectations with him and I’m so pleased to see how he has improved this season. He’s a good horse to handle, a real professional and he’s gone on as we thought he would after winning the lead-up race.

"We’ll generally keep him to local races but I’d look to the Yasuda Kinen in Japan as the mile and the firm ground there is perfect for him.

A half-brother to Listed winner Dee Dee D'Or (Zebedee), Beauty Only is one of seven winners from as many to race out of the Ali-Royale mare Goldendale.