Jockey Craig Williams warmed up for his tilt at Group One glory in Hong Kong on Sunday by partnering much-travelled stayer Ista Kareem to victory in the G1 Sydney Cup (3200m) at Randwick on Saturday.
In a seemingly hopeless position 200m out, Ista Kareem - the $6.50 favourite - sprouted wings in the final furlong for Williams to collar Divine Rebel ($9.50) in the final 50m.
Third home a length away was Kiwi stayer Mr Tipsy ($7) ahead of Sydney veteran Lang, which finished fourth after running third in this event 12 months ago.
Used to carrying heavy weights, Ista Kareem relished having only 52kg on his back to break through for his maiden win at Group One level.
He was not originally entered for the race but strong showings in Melbourne last month, including a six-length win in a 3000m handicap at Moonee Valley, saw a change in mind from connections.
A former Adelaide Cup placegetter, Ista Kareem responded for Williams in the closing stages.
"I was telling the horse 'please pick up for me, please pick up for me'," Williams told TVN.
"He was only whacking away and I thought Kerrin's (McEvoy) done it again with Mike Moroney. All of a sudden at the 200m he just absolutely dashed."
It was a pick-up ride for Williams, who replaced regular rider Danny Brereton who could not make the lightweight.
Williams will ride Niconero in Hong Kong on Sunday in the G1 QE II Cup.
Little said a change tactics and training regime for the eight-year-old had proved the key to Ista Kareem's recent form reversal.
"I just think riding him back has been the secret of the horse," Little said.
"We were going forward from bad barriers and the horse wasn't finishing off so we decided to ride him back."
"We shortened him up in the last three or four weeks."
"Instead of going grinding gallops, we decided he was pretty fit, keep him happy and we just went six furlongs, easy three."
"It's called shortening the work up and it seems to have given him a new lease of life."
Divine Rebel appeared set to win her third race on the trot for the McEvoy-Moroney jockey-trainer combination after dashing clear about 200 from home.
Mr Tipsy battled gamely in the straight, while Lang made late ground but never threatened the winner.
Fifth home was Dandaad, which was aiming to break master trainer Bart Cummings' 25-year drought in the race.