Bumper Storm issued his challenge to the region's top sprinters with an impressive win in the opening trial at Sha Tin yesterday.
The four-year-old has not been seen out since disappointing in blinkers behind Electronic Zone earlier in the season.
But the headwear was dispensed with yesterday and the Irish-bred youngster appeared to be a lot more at ease as he went smoothly to the line to narrowly defeat Solid Gold and stablemate Big Mac.
Trainer Patrick Biancone would seem to have the Chairman's Prize as the main target for the athletic chestnut.
And it is worth remembering Bumper Storm's gutsy effort when finishing third to Quick Action last season in the third leg of the Sprint Championship.
He is more mature now, having gone into last year's race with only three runs under his belt, and, more importantly, he is going to strip a lot fresher than some of his rivals who have been campaigning all term.