Luck hasn’t been on David Eustace’s side much recently, but the British handler is keen on a change of fortune when he starts luckless last-start runner-up Colourful King at Sha Tin on Sunday.

Eustace added to his frustrating haul of second placings this season when Majestic Delight and Glorious Success were narrowly beaten on Thursday, before Riding Together gave him a much-needed winner with an upset victory in the final race.

Colourful King was another of the handler’s 27 seconds this term on his last appearance, which was a tough watch for connections and punters who took the $1.8 odds.

Taken back to second last after jumping awkwardly, the Australian import was badly held up from the 500m to the 200m and stormed home once in the clear to finish behind dominant winner Stellar Express in the Group Three Bauhinia Sprint Trophy (1,000m).

He was a barnstorming winner at the same course and distance in November, adding that victory to his two Happy Valley triumphs, and gets a great opportunity to strike again in Sunday’s Class Two Orchid Handicap (1,000m).

“He was [unlucky] – that’s racing,” Eustace said.

“He’s in good form and hopefully we get a bit of racing luck. He’s certainly our most promising chance on Sunday – smallish field, I’m sure it will be quite tactical but Zac [Purton] knows him very well.”

Colourful King has the advantage of a 7lb swing on the reopposing Stellar Express, who capitalised on a comfortable lead to surge to victory last start.

There also looks to be plenty of pace which will favour Eustace’s sprinter, with the speedy Youthful Spirits a likely challenger to Stellar Express for the lead.

Eustace has nine other runners at Sha Tin, with Heaving a solid chance in the Class Three Rose Handicap (1,400m) and Young Emperor boasting claims in the Class Three Peony Handicap (1,200m).

Heaving ran an encouraging third to Happy Index last month before finishing powerfully from well back for fourth behind the in-form Emblazon last start.

“I think he’ll run well. He drops in weight which I think suits and each run has been an improvement, so I’m hopeful that can happen again,” Eustace said of the Australian import.

Heaving drops 5lb on his last run to carry 120lb, with Eustace utilising Jerry Chau Chun-lok’s 2lb claim.

Young Emperor was an outstanding winner at $68.85 two starts ago, thanks to a daring ride by Luke Ferraris, before having excuses when eighth to Galactic Voyage last start.

“It wasn’t smooth the other day. I think he’s a horse that just needs everything to go his way, which obviously doesn’t happen here very often but it did when he won,” Eustace said.

“He got a beautiful ride and I think the small field will help on Sunday. I don’t like to turn them around that quickly, but he’s come through the run well.”

Ferraris retains the ride on Young Emperor, who jumps from gate seven and carries top weight of 135lb in a field highlighted by Jamie Richards’ progressive three-year-old Cool Boy.

Runjeet, Hailtothevictors, Sea Diamond, Red Brick Warrior, Apolar Fighter, Charity Gain and Grey Charger are Eustace’s other runners.