Chris So is optimistic Super Sunny Sing can continue an upward trajectory and further answer stamina queries when he lines up in Sunday’s (26 February) HK$12 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) at Sha Tin.

Chasing a fourth consecutive win, Super Sunny Sing is already a winner over 1200m, 1400m and 1600m. He is yet to race over this weekend’s distance but his three and a half length romp over a mile under Vincent Ho in Class 3 has So feeling good.

“The distance seems ok, that’s why last time we went up to 1600 metres (on 24 January) and you could see he won easy,” So said.

The Hong Kong Classic Cup is the second leg of the three-race HK$48 million Four-Year-Old Classic Series which concludes with the HK$24 million BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) on 19 March – the ultimate goal for So and his improving charge.

“We hope to run in the BMW Hong Kong Derby but we’ll see on Sunday, let’s see first how he runs. If he wants to run better then he needs to improve,” So said.

The Nicconi gelding faces the likes of Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) winner Voyage Bubble as well as Tuchel, Sweet Encounter, Galaxy Witness, Keefy and Sword Point on Sunday – which also sees the running of the HK$12 million G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) featuring Golden Sixty and Romantic Warrior. 

“It seems like he’s (Super Sunny Sing) relaxing and he should go further, for sure, we’ll try and he’s still in good form – we go for the (Hong Kong) Classic Cup first and then we’ll see,” So said.

Ho will partner Super Sunny Sing again on Sunday and will also ride Legion Of Merit – a two-time winner this season – in Wednesday’s (22 February) first section of the Class 4 Fleming Handicap (1650m) at Happy Valley for So.

“Legion Of Merit is consistent, healthy and this year he has shown big improvement. He’s very consistent over the 1650 metres at Happy Valley – that’s why we always aim for this distance.

“He’s had two wins and a couple of placings this season, Vincent (Ho) really matches with the horse – he knows his character and everything. The draw is good for him,” So said.

The six-year-old by Alamosa will carry 129lb from barrier three as he seeks a third win at Happy Valley tomorrow night against the likes of Turin Warrior (133lb), Rainbow Light (130lb), Right As Rain (125lb) and Young Life Forever (124lb). 

“He’s really in form and he should run a good race, most important, he is really consistent,” So said.

Wednesday’s (22 February) nine-race fixture at Happy Valley commences at 6.45pm with the second section of the Class 5 Fenwick Handicap (1200m).