Derek Leung Ka-chun is hopeful Lucky Sweynesse can use Sunday’s Class One HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup (1,200m) at Sha Tin as a launching pad to international success later this month.

Set the daunting task of taking on the world’s best sprinter, Ka Ying Rising, on Sunday, Lucky Sweynesse will be out to prove he is on track for his first overseas mission, with the Group One Sprinters Stakes (1,200m) in Japan on September 28 firmly on trainer Manfred Man Ka-leung’s radar.

Leung is locked in for the Sprinters Stakes ride and has high hopes that Lucky Sweynesse can make an encouraging return in the Chief Executive’s Cup.

“He’s a big horse, so he needs a run to keep his fitness,” Leung said.

“Last time in his first trial, he was a bit fat but after I put him under some pressure, he had a good blow and he recovered well.

“Hopefully being a bit fresh in his first start will be good for him and the main aim is Japan. In his first race he doesn’t have to carry the top weight, so it’s a good starting point for him and the timing is good to head to Japan and give it a try.”

Lucky Sweynesse was Hong Kong’s top sprinter when he became the first horse to win all four of the city’s Group Ones over 1,200m and 1,400m in the same calendar year in 2023.

However, his career was put on hold when he fractured a cannon bone after his victory in the Group Two Sprint Cup (1,200m) in April last year.

He returned 12 months later to run sixth to Ka Ying Rising in the Group One Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1,200m) before making late ground for an encouraging fourth to Helios Express in May’s Group Three Sha Tin Vase (1,200m).

Lucky Sweynesse’s Sprinters Stakes tilt will be Leung’s second opportunity in Japan. The 37-year-old guided Victor The Winner to a brave third in the Group One Takamatsunomiya Kinen (1,200m) at Chukyo Racecourse last year.

“[Nakayama] is a bit little bit uphill at the end, so it gives the Japanese horses an advantage but hopefully our horse can handle it,” Leung said.

You’remyeverything, Draco, Flash Star, One And Only, Smart Trio, Victory Champion, Markwin and Jumbo Treasure are Leung’s other rides at the Sha Tin season opener on Sunday.