Promising sprinter Turquoise Velocity’s exciting dead-heat victory helped trainer Francis Lui Kin-wai and jockey Keith Yeung Ming-lun secure a double in tandem at Sha Tin on Sunday.

A dramatic finish saw Turquoise Velocity and We Are Hero hit the line locked together in the Class Three Lok Sin Tong Cup (1,000m) in only the second dead heat of the season.

Four-year-old Turquoise Velocity stayed on strongly and looked to have the race won until the veteran We Are Hero flashed late to draw level, with the judge unable to split the pair.

The son of Zoustar has kicked off his career in impressive style, having won three from four starts each at the track and distance, and Lui is weighing up a step up in trip in the near future.

“He’s in good form. At the moment, he’s just between 1,000 and 1,200m – he even can step up to 1,200m,” Lui said of Turquoise Velocity.

Yeung has been aboard Turquoise Velocity at every start so far and believes the step up in distance will suit.

“If you put him in 1,200m where he can easily get to the fence and have more room, I think it would suit him better,” Yeung said.

Call Me Sparkle impressed on debut in the first section of the Class Four Nga Tsin Wai Handicap (1,200m) for Lui and Yeung, scoring by a head over Supreme Voyager. Ridden off the speed, he showed a strong turn of foot over the last furlong to run past the $124 long shot Supreme Voyager and $1.8 favourite Crossborderdude to make it a perfect start to his career.

The three-year-old had the perfect draw of three to help tackle the first-up task.

“He’s a nice horse. With a young horse, I think it is crucial to have a lower draw like he had. He ran on well and I think he will improve for this; I like the attitude he showed,” said Lui.

There should be plenty of improvement to come for the Derryn galloper according to Yeung.

“I think he’s still a big baby. It looks like he’s got a nice future ahead. He’s got lots to improve and learn. He showed his potential today,” said Yeung.

“Throughout the race, he was on and off the bit – he was trying to figure out what’s happening – but as soon as I got him out he responded. I think he’s got potential, he’s a nice mover but he’s acting quite green.”

Yeung is also looking forward to riding Juneau Pride in Sunday’s BMW Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) for John Size.

“After Tuesday trials at Sha Tin, John said to me ‘you’re riding in the Derby’. I’m just going to listen to John’s instructions,” Yeung said.

The 81-rated Juneau Pride has been performing consistently over 1,400m and Yeung is looking forward to a chance spin in the city’s most coveted race.

“I am very, very grateful to John and the owners who have given me the opportunity,” said Yeung.

Lui is eyeing the trainers’ championship with intent, currently sitting on 36 winners this season – equal with Danny Shum Chap-shing and Mark Newnham – and six wins behind title leader Caspar Fownes.

“I’m looking for it because I have many young horses who are up and coming, so hopefully they can keep up the condition,” said Lui.