No horse won more races for Dennis Yip Chor-hong last year than Racing Fighter (競技勇士) and the veteran trainer again turns to the gelding as he looks to give his season a kick-start at Sha Tin on Sunday.

Racing Fighter (競技勇士) was one of three Yip horses, along with Splendour And Gold (神亮金剛) and The Show, to salute three times last term and the five-year-old is out to continue his march up the ratings in the Class Two Tailorbird Handicap (1,200m).

After arriving in Hong Kong from New Zealand winless from five starts, Racing Fighter (競技勇士) took a good while to warm to his new surroundings and failed to finish better than eighth in three starts for Michael Freedman.

The switch to Yip ahead of the 2018-19 season was the first step in the right direction for Racing Fighter (競技勇士) and, after showing some improvement in three starts under Eddy Lai Wai-ming, the horse went to another level after partnering with Zac Purton.

Purton’s first ride aboard Racing Fighter (競技勇士) – in December last year – produced a victory and the gelding hasn’t looked back, producing three seconds and a third before stringing together back-to-back wins to finish the term, all with Purton in the saddle.

The reigning champion jockey again takes the ride and, after a close third behind Nothingilikemore (當家精選) in a trial last month, Yip is expecting his charge to again deliver a strong showing despite being lumped with barrier 11.

“The horse is in good form and he trialled on the all-weather and did it quite easy,” Yip said. “This horse has a very good fighting heart and it looks like he will keep improving this season. The field is not too strong so hopefully he has a good chance.”

Racing Fighter (競技勇士) is one of 12 horses Yip takes to Sha Tin on Sunday as he ramps up his hunt for his first winner of the season.

He will launch a three-pronged attack on the Class Four Chinese Recreation Club Challenge Cup (1,400m), with Murray’s Partners (其利斷金), Winning Controller (贏馬神器) and Hurricane Hunter (暴風俠) all chasing the silverware, while Lucky Guy (老友威威) returns to the races after finishing second on opening day.

Blake Shinn had to find his way through heavy traffic before allowing Lucky Guy (老友威威) to hit the line last time out and Yip hopes the eight-year-old can snatch a third Hong Kong win after drawing gate seven in the Class Four Sunbird Handicap (1,200m).

“He got blocked in the early straight, because he drew gate one last time he couldn’t get out,” Yip said.

“I think this horse is best drawing six, seven, eight because he’s a big horse and he’s got a long stride. If he can get on the outside he will finish stronger.”

Shinn again rides Lucky Guy (老友威威) and will be looking to carry on his strong form after landing his first Hong Kong winner at Happy Valley on Wednesday night.

He has five rides on Sunday and will team up with John Moore for the first time when he partners Styling City (薈力之城) in the Class Two, where he will come up against Racing Fighter (競技勇士).

The four-year-old was fourth behind Regency Legend (帝豪福星) when resuming on September 1 and has drawn barrier seven.