The popular team of John Size and Douglas Whyte has begun the season in impressive fashion and the statistics look set for another boost at Sha Tin on Sunday when Vitality Champ lines up in the final leg of the Triple Trio.
Whyte has been on board only 22 Size-trained horses this season and has piloted five to victory with a further four running into the placings.
The pair combined with Vitality Champ at Sha Tin on September 24 and while he didn't boost those figures, it was blatantly obvious he would do his part for the team in the near future.
The Danehill gelding found a bit of interference early in the event before eventually settling fairly handy to the speed on the rail. Whyte took him to the outside in the straight and he finished the race off soundly to run a close fifth to the in-form Qi's Pet, who controlled the race on the speed.
It was Vitality Champ's first run for nearly 11 months and with natural improvement, and the likelihood of a perfect, on-speed run, he looks like breaking through for his first Hong Kong victory.
Biggest dangers to Vitality Champ appear to be Universal Pioneer, Soldier On, Native Language and American Victory.
In the opening two legs, trainer Alex Wong Yu-on looks to hold the aces with two strong chances in Capability and Lucky Champion, who both look banker materials.