Overshadowed by Lucky Sweynesse in a 1200m trial at Sha Tin this morning (Friday, 7 October), Senor Toba remains on course for the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Vase (2400m) on 11 December after pleasing Caspar Fownes.

Winner of the G3 Queen Mother Memorial Cup Handicap (2400m) last May and subsequently third to Hong Kong Champion Stayer Russian Emperor in the G1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2400m), Senor Toba finished seventh in the trial behind Lucky Sweynesse under Vincent Ho.

“I was extremely happy, he was strong through the line,” Fownes said. “He pulled up beautiful. He will start off with a mile and we’ll just keep on building him up and we’ll concentrate on the Group 1 in December.

“I think he’s gone to the next level this season. He’s shown us last season how competitive he can be winning a Group 3 and running close in a Group 1. He’s different horse this season and he can only improve in the next 12 to 18 months.

“There’s no doubt in my mind – and I’ve trained some good horses – that he’s definitely a Group 1 horse.”

Triumphant in the Class 1 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup Handicap (1200m) on 11 September, Lucky Sweynesse clocked 1m 10.76s under Zac Purton on Sha Tin’s dirt, comfortably holding Dorado Fig and Excellent Proposal.

Purton, who will be aboard last season’s Champion Griffin in the G2 Premier Bowl Handicap (1200m) on 23 October, was satisfied with the hit-out.

“He trialled well, just a little bit ‘crabby’ out of the gates again but he showed enough speed to hold the front and he just enjoyed himself. He went around nicely,” Purton said.

Francis Lui confirmed Golden Sixty is progressing solidly ahead of his attempt to win a third consecutive G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m) at Sha Tin on 11 December.

“He’s okay, I’ll wait for the grass trials later this month. He might have two trials before he races.

“Hopefully he can still keep the form, but he’s good,” Lui said.