Francis Lui Kin-wai is looking for back-to-back wins in the Group Three Centenary Vase (1,800m) with Chancheng Glory at Sha Tin on Sunday, but Speed Dragon is another string to his bow in the handler’s search of a third win in the race.

It has been a period to remember for Lui, who has rocketed up to sixth in the standings after training 10 winners at the last seven meetings.

The run included a Group Three victory when Speed Dragon launched to January Cup (1,800m) glory at Happy Valley and he bids for back-to-back wins in Sunday’s feature contest.

The Darci Brahma galloper would have gone down as a very unlucky loser of the January Cup when held up at a crucial stage, but his jockey Lyle Hewitson spied the gap at the perfect time and he flew home to win by half a length.

That was victory number four in Hong Kong for the six-year-old, who has endured a truncated career through injuries, but he now looks to have found even ground ahead of his first start at Sha Tin this campaign.

“It’s hard to say how he will go, but his form is good and the 1,800m suits him,” said Lui. “Of course, he prefers Happy Valley more than Sha Tin but I think he can also race well at Sha Tin. I hope he can improve a little bit more.”

Lui also runs Chancheng Glory, who will be partnered by champion jockey Zac Purton.

He has gone winless in 11 starts since roaring to success 12 months ago, but that is not through a lack of trying. On his first start of the season, he was a game second in the Group Three Korea Cup (1,800m), and most recently he was seventh behind Speed Dragon in the January Cup.

Chancheng Glory will need to return to something like his best when he takes on the likes of Classic Series hopeful Numbers, Straight Arron, Encountered and Ensued, but Lui is hopeful of that being the case.

“He is the same as usual. Hopefully he can improve his form,” Lui said.

Lui is hoping to see another improved display from the promising Galactic Voyage, who looks to shed his local maiden in the Class Three Tai Hing Handicap (1,200m).

The son of Impending won his only start in Australia by two and a quarter lengths, quickening up smartly at Ascot, and he has shown plenty of ability since making the move to Hong Kong.

He finished fourth on his local debut, before putting up a valiant effort from stall 11 when lashing home from near the rear over course and distance last month.

A draw in stall nine is again not ideal, but he is clearly progressing and Jerry Chau Chun-lok’s claim is again well utilised.

“He’s finished close behind in his two runs here. I think he has improved, but it all depends on the draw,” said Lui.

“Maybe he’s not a 1,200m horse but at the moment, we’ll keep running at 1,200m.”