Mark Newnham celebrated his first ever trifecta and savvy punters were also in raptures after Sing Dragon landed an extraordinary betting plunge in Saturday’s Class Two High West Handicap (1,650m) at Sha Tin.

Brown-lamped in betting when firming from $16 to $4.45, Sing Dragon led his rivals a merry dance under Karis Teetan as Talents Ambition and Mojave Desert trailed him home to complete a perfect result for Newnham.

“I’ve had quinellas before, but not the first three,” the Australian handler said.

“All three horses ran to their form and I’m pleased for all. Our owners all got good stake money – it just happened to be Sing Dragon’s turn today.”

Bustled forward by Teetan from gate nine to find the front, Sing Dragon gave Newnham and his backers some nervous moments when he over-raced in the middle stages while establishing a break of more than three lengths.

However, the son of Written Tycoon fought on strongly in the straight to score by a length and a half from Talents Ambition ($4.7), who ran on solidly to snatch second place from the $3.2 favourite Mojave Desert.

Newnham’s trio finished a length and a half clear of the next horse home, Soleil Fighter.

“Last season he had the one run [over 1,650m] and he did a lot of work during the race and was only beaten two lengths by Talents Ambition,” Newnham said.

“So he met him better in the weights today and when he was able to get the lead, he was always going to be hard to run down.

“He looked a bit strong down the back, so I was a little worried how fresh he was, but it was only his second run of the season and only his second run at 1,600. He did a good job to hold on.”

A two-time Australian winner when known as Operative pre-import, Sing Dragon recorded his fifth Hong Kong win – all of which have been on the dirt – from 21 local starts.

Newnham said his trio was likely to square off again in the future, given they boast similar ratings and the dearth of Class Two options on the all-weather.

“They’re very consistent on this surface. Hopefully we can separate them all in the future, but there aren’t too many of these races on, so they’ll be racing against each other in the future,” Newnham said.

The lack of stronger dirt races in Hong Kong could also prompt Newnham to look at overseas features.

“If their rating keeps going the way they are, we’ll have to look at a couple of options,” Newnham said.

“I’m sure I’ve got a couple of owners that are keen to travel, but their form will need to warrant it.”

Sing Dragon delivered Newnham his ninth victory of the season, with the 57-year-old leading the race for the championship over David Hayes who is on eight wins.