As the Classic Mile picture continues to take shape, Lyle Hewitson is confident Sky Trust will continue to strengthen his credentials for the coveted feature when he steps out at Sha Tin on Sunday.

A host of four-year-olds have emerged as Classic Mile contenders in recent weeks, though the January 31 feature mostly revolves around whether last Sunday’s Group One Hong Kong Sprint (1,200m) hero Ka Ying Rising takes his place.

Sky Trust put forward his case with his first Class Three victory last start, overcoming the outside draw in barrier 14 to record a tough 1,600m win under Hewitson.

The Caspar Fownes-trained gelding bids for consecutive successes at the course and distance of the Classic Mile when he tackles Sunday’s Class Three Lukfook Jewellery Dear Q Handicap.

He is one of several Classic Mile contenders Hewitson has been aboard, with leading fancy Packing Hermod and Rubylot another two the South African jockey has ridden recently.

“I think there’s five that I could think of now that I’m a chance of riding,” Hewitson said.

“It just depends who’s on what and how things go between now and then. It’s a bit up in the air.”

Hewitson hopped aboard Sky Trust for the first time two starts ago when he ran a close second to fellow four-year-old My Wish over 1,400m.

The son of So You Think recorded his third career triumph when going one better last start, zipping across from the wide draw to sit outside the lead before proving too strong to narrowly beat Amazing Victory.

“I certainly don’t believe he was emptying at the line, he made a strong, sustained run and those horses just got the pull on him,” Hewitson said.

“I think everything’s in his favour, he’s doing well and I expect a similar sort of performance.

“He’s going to have to do the same thing again this weekend in order for [the Classic Mile] to be on the agenda, because he’s got to get a few points still.

“Caspar knows what he’s doing and I’m sure if that is in the pipeline for him, he’ll have his ducks in a row.”

Sky Trust has a far more favourable draw in gate one in Sunday’s race, in which he reopposes placegetters Amazing Victory and Golden Artie from his last-start win.

His other rivals include David Eustace’s shock first-up winner Silvery Breeze, Classic Mile contender Mickley – who ran an eye-catching fourth on his Hong Kong debut for John Size – and Cap Ferrat, who makes his debut in the city for Francis Lui Kin-wai after he was placed twice at Group One level in Australia.

Eager to add to his modest return of seven wins this season, Hewitson has eight other rides on the 10-race card including Armour War Eagle in the Class Three Lukfook Jewellery Beloved Collection Handicap (1,400m).

Placed on his first two starts this season with Hewitson on board, the Mark Newnham-trained gelding was trapped wide throughout when an unlucky 10th behind Sky Trust.

“I actually think he’s a good chance,” Hewitson said. “Obviously he had a great comeback run over 1,200m, then he went straight to 1,400m and again went well.

“He had a difficult trip last time out, so it’s worth ignoring that run and Mark’s stable is in great form.”

In the feature of the day, the Class Two Lukfook Jewellery Cup (1,000m), Hewitson rides veteran sprinter Carroll Street, who comes off a solid last-start sixth.

However, Fast Network will be all the rage after thumping his rivals by four and a half lengths for Zac Purton and Dennis Yip Chor-hong last start.

Double Show, Link, King Oberon, Fun Elite, Motoman and Joyful Hunter are Hewitson’s other rides on Sunday.