Lyle Hewitson has a strong line-up of rides at Sha Tin on Sunday that includes the progressive Supreme Sea stepping up grade in the Class Three Cornwall Handicap (1,200m) and Packing Angel in the Class Two Devon Handicap (1,800m).

The lightly raced Supreme Sea has impressed in his two starts for trainer Mark Newnham, recording a win and a second placing by just half a length to Vulcanus on Sha Tin’s all-weather track.

“I think he’s a very good horse. I’m really happy to have got aboard him, he’s got a bright future,” said Hewitson.

A short break between runs should see an improved showing from the son of Sebring Sun, who has trialled impressively to win by six lengths ten days out from out the run.

“We just thought being a young horse, he had one or two little things we wanted to iron out, and gave him a little bit of time off. He’s come back, I believe, in better order. He’s more set on his work and his trial was super. His well-being and his ability is out of the question – he’s doing really well,” Hewitson said.

A favourable barrier draw in four and ability to finish off strongly should alleviate the tough task set by the extended rating band of 60-85 for the 62-rated galloper, which will see him step out with 115lb against established Class Three dirt horses.

“I am concerned the fact that he’s going to be set a tough task with the weights at only third start against some really strong, proven dirt horses,” said Hewitson.

“He’s also shown on two occasions in his trials that he can finish off really strongly too, so that’s a nice thing to have up your sleeve when you have a few of them being one-dimensional, and from a decent barrier, we’ll be able to make that decision on race day after the first 100m.”

Two other Newnham runners will step out with Hewitson aboard – King Lotus, who starts at Sha Tin for just the third time when he tackles the Class Three Cumberland Handicap (1,400m), and Exceed The Wish in the Class Five Somerset Handicap (1,400m).

Hewitson also partners Packing Angel, trained by Francis Lui Kin-wai, for the third time this season on Sunday. The son of Shocking has had two starts this year following an injury-enforced break after running third in last year’s Hong Kong Derby (2,000m), beaten only a neck by Cap Ferrat.

The five-year-old returned with a 10th over an unsuitable 1,200m before an improved fourth behind the reopposing Stunning Peach over 1,600m last start.

“After his first run, it was a 1,200m – we know that’s too short for him – for me, I thought it was a pass mark,” said Hewitson.

“He just didn’t have the turn of foot against Class Two sprinters that you’d expect, especially first up, but I noticed a big difference in his track work after that race. He settled down, he wasn’t as keen and showed a bit more focus. And then he came out and ran a really pleasing race next time out over the mile.”

A step up in trip to the 1,800m on Sunday will be ideal at this point in his preparation.

“Now two runs into his prep I’m sure he would have come on again, and he’s going over probably what would seem like his perfect distance, so I expect him to start to find that form that he was in as a four-year-old,” Hewitson said.

Hewitson will jump on board two mounts for South African compatriot Brett Crawford. Conspirator will break from barrier one with the light weight of 117lb in the Class Four Suffolk Handicap (1,000m), while Danica’s Choice drops in grade in the Class Four Norfolk Handicap (1,600m).