Mark Newnham will look to hit back in the trainers’ championship at Sha Tin on Sunday with a strong squad of seven, including the likes of All Out For Six, Talents Ambition and Super Unicorn.

The Australian handler has led much of this season’s premiership, but a recent purple patch from Caspar Fownes has seen him surge five clear of David Hayes and six clear of Newnham.

The race is by no means over, however, with three months and many opportunities left for Newnham to strike back in a championship battle that has been nip and tuck from the word go.

Perhaps his best chance of a winner on Sunday is All Out For Six, who bids for a first local victory at the third attempt in the Class Three Kowloon City Handicap (1,200m).

A three-time winner at Kenilworth in South Africa pre-import, the One World galloper has been a bit of a headscratcher for Newnham so far. Showing little early pace on his local debut when a promising sixth over 1,200m, he then pulled far too hard when stepped up in trip to 1,400m last time out.

Barrier 12 is not going to make his task easy, but a drop back in grade and trip are two positives and Newnham is hoping he can make it third-time lucky in Hong Kong.

“His two runs so far have been completely opposite. His first run I thought he’d show speed, and he didn’t, and then second up I thought we could ride him the same way up in trip at 1,400m and he overdid it in front,” said Newnham.

“I think the drop back in distance will suit him and the drop in grade is another plus as well. I’ll just tell Luke [Ferraris] to ride him how he sees fit; it’s been complete opposites both times, so I think I’ll leave it up to him.

“He’s got good ability and he has shown that in his trials, he just needs to improve his racing manners.”

Newnham is also hoping to open up options with the fast-finishing Super Unicorn, who steps away from his usual hunting ground of Happy Valley in the Class Three Carpenter Handicap (1,400m).

A dual winner over the Happy Valley 1,650m earlier this campaign, the son of Savabeel produced another smart run when third at the city circuit last start, and Newnham believes a switch to the 1,400m trip at Sha Tin could be ideal when he breaks from stall one under Jerry Chau Chun-lok.

“He’s been good all season. He did have some good early form at Sha Tin before he moved to me, so I’m interested to see what he can do before we make a final call on whether to use both tracks,” said Newnham.

“1,400m will be his right trip at Sha Tin, whereas the mile at Happy Valley is his choice distance. We’re just trying to open up more options for him.”

The trio of Newnham’s strongest chances is rounded out by dirt specialist Talents Ambition, who looks for a fourth win over course and distance in the Class Three Junction Handicap (1,650m).

His fast-finishing grey has found things tough going this season, with a lack of opportunities over his favourite track and trip. When the chances have arrived, the make-up of the races have not suited his closing style, leading to further frustration for the five-year-old.

There should be some decent pace to chase on this occasion, however, and this is an easier race than he has been used to of late.

“There hasn’t been many suitable races for him this season. His last run on the dirt was basically just a trot and a canter, as New Forest was able to dominate from the front,” said Newnham.

“Talents Ambition can only race one way and because there’s not always a strong pace, he does find it difficult sometimes.

“This looks like a good race for him and it’s an extended Class Three, so he gets in well and he’s been going well for quite a while.”