Caspar Fownes is adamant Lo Rider is primed for a return to the trip of his creditable fourth in the Hong Kong Derby when he tackles Saturday’s Class Two Long Ke Handicap (2,000m).

Bidding to add to his two-win championship lead over Mark Newnham, Fownes is full of confidence as Lo Rider bids to add to his first Hong Kong success over 1,650m at Happy Valley in September.

The Irish import was unlucky not to strike in his first local campaign last season, notching a close second and a pair of fourths, one of which was behind Cap Ferrat in the Derby when he led and fought on strongly.

He returned this term with a strong first-up triumph over Encountered, who has gone on to win the Group Three Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse (1,800m), before finishing eighth and ninth with some excuses at his next two starts.

Fownes was particularly taken by Lo Rider’s powerful finish to run a close second to Chiu Chow Spirit in a Sha Tin trial last week ahead of his latest assignment.

“His trial was really nice and we think the 2,000m is perfect for him now – he’s ready to go there,” the four-time champion handler said.

“He’s been a lot more tractable now, he’s taken a chill pill. I think he deserves another win – he’s a nice horse.”

Hugh Bowman will takes the ride on Lo Rider, who has drawn barrier two in the field of nine.

Saturday’s feature also includes the likes of hat-trick seeker Winning Wing, last month’s Group Two Jockey Club Cup (2,000m) third placegetter Ka Ying Generation, the in-form Awesome Fluke and Australian import Numbers, who ran a nice third at the Valley on his Hong Kong debut.

Fresh from a Valley double on Tuesday night, Fownes has a strong team of eight runners at Sha Tin, with the progressive Mr Desira another of his top chances.

A two-time Valley winner in his debut campaign, Mr Desira returns to the Sha Tin straight in the Class Three Sham Chung Handicap (1,000m) having run a close second to Flowing Riches at the course and distance in September.

“He’s in good form. He’s been pretty fresh since the last run,” said Fownes.

“We decided to go back to Sha Tin down the straight where he’s run some decent races. He’s a horse that looks to be progressive and I think he can handle Class Three.”

Fownes has added a tongue tie to Mr Desira’s gear for the first time in what shapes as a strong contest, with the returning Magnifique and 1,000m specialist Super Strong Kid also lining up.

Vincent Ho Chak-yiu retains the ride on Mr Desira, who has drawn barrier eight.

Fownes also hopes a gear change can work the oracle for No Other Choice, who chases his first victory at start nine in the Class Four Wong Yi Chau Handicap (1,650m) on dirt.

The Shamus Award gelding almost made a perfect all-weather debut last start when he rocketed home from last to run a short-head second to Hinokami Kagura.

“It was a good finish last start, first time on the dirt,” Fownes said.

“Obviously we step him up to 1,650m, which is a little bit of an unknown whether he will run the distance or not. He indicates to us that he can.

“If he runs the distance strong, he’s definitely got a chance.”

No Other Choice, who jumps from gate seven after almost overcoming 12 last start, will run in a pacifier with cowls after Fownes opted to remove the standard pacifiers.

Debutant Blasted Talent, last-start winner Family Fortune, Sky Cap, Somelovefromabove and Perfect Team are the trainer’s other runners.