An in-form David Eustace hopes Colourful King can continue his rise when the three-year-old contests the Class Three Hong Kong China Rugby Cup Handicap (1,000m) under Andrea Atzeni at Happy Valley on Wednesday night.

Eustace revelled in a first Hong Kong treble on Sunday and the 32-year-old is eyeing more momentum when he saddles four runners – Brave Witness, Colourful King, Jumbo Fortune and Charity Together – at the midweek meeting.

Colourful King has raced twice in Hong Kong, winning his most recent effort by a nose over the reopposing Youthful Spirits.

“He did it by the barest of margins. It certainly looked like luck went our way that night and it’s good to get the win obviously. He’s a horse who I think will continue to improve,” said Eustace of Colourful King, who has drawn gate four.

“He’s the type of horse who is a still a bit nervy and a bit unsure of himself, so I think he can gradually improve with the more racing he has. It was great to get the win and hopefully he can keep progressing.

“It does look like they’ll go fairly quick and he has a nice gate to stalk and be strong late. The encouraging thing for me as well is that he looks like he’ll get 1,200m, especially around the Valley when asked to. It does just give us options.”

Eustace has 23 wins through his first season training in Hong Kong. His treble last weekend came via Regency Happy Star, Good Luck Babe and Sea Sapphire.

“You obviously don’t go expecting that by any means but I thought we had a strong hand and the horses were racing well. Hoping to get one, maybe two but to get three was a great thrill. It shows the horses are in good form and the staff are working hard and well,” Eustace said.

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Meanwhile, Matthew Poon Ming-fai worked two key FWD Champions Day hopes in barrier trials on Tuesday morning ahead of the HK$74 million Sha Tin showcase on April 27.

Stepping out in the first heat ahead of a possible Group One Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1,200m) return, Lucky Sweynesse broke smoothly from the wide draw before picking up between runners to win in 57.95 seconds over 1,000m on turf at Sha Tin.

“I think with every trial he is getting better and better. Now he is almost ready to race – if he pulls up well, then he is almost ready to race,” Poon said.

Ahead of his clash with Australian star Mr Brightside in the Group One Champions Mile, Voyage Bubble impressed Poon as he crossed the line first over a mile on turf.

“He jumped super, he knows what to do – he travelled nicely and relaxed. I just asked him a little bit and he quickens. How good is that?” Poon said.

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