Hongkong Great absolutely dusted his rivals with a terrific front-running performance at Sha Tin last month and jockey Antoine Hamelin sees no reason the three-time Group One winner can’t do it again.

The Danny Shum Chap-shing-trained five-year-old finally looks to have acclimatised to life in Hong Kong after spending the early part of his career in Chile, where he tasted success at the top level, and in the USA, when known as El Picaro.

The gelding was renamed Hongkong Great once he arrived in his new home in January 2020 and he wasn’t really a factor in his first six starts over unsuitable distances as he returned to fitness and got used to his new environment.

That all changed last start when Shum stepped him up to 1,650m – his Group One wins came between 1,600m and 2,000m – and Hongkong Great led from barrier to box, ultimately prevailing by four and a quarter lengths.

From Chile to America to Hong Kong: Danny Shum unveils three-time Group One winner

Now he has found his groove, Hamelin is optimistic Hongkong Great can repeat the dose in Saturday’s Class Three Nam Sang Wai Handicap (1,800m) on the all-weather track.

“He won nicely last time, so why not do that again? If he stays relaxed in front, he can run very well,” the Frenchman said.

“I [was able to] go in front very easy. I gave him a break [down the back straight] and he [could take a breath] and then start again, so he won very well.”

The speed map suggests Hongkong Great should be able to slide to the front easily enough again but Hamelin doesn’t think his charge is a one-trick pony.

“If someone goes crazy in front, there’s no need to go, my horse [will be] in a good position,” he said. “The feeling was very good in the last race. Hopefully the feeling is the same this race.”

The dominance of that win meant the handicappers hit Hongkong Great with a 10-point hike in the ratings so he will have to lump 132 pounds this time around.

The two placegetters from last start – Party Everyday and Ping Hai Treasure – are back for a rematch and have an advantage at the weights and look to be the main dangers.

Hongkong Great’s win three weeks ago formed part of Hamelin’s stunning five-timer, when he became just the 13th jockey to achieve that feat in the professional era of Hong Kong racing.

Antoine Hamelin collects career-best haul with stunning 480,742-1 quintet

It was the first time in the 29-year-old’s career he’s collected a quintet of victories and while he still smiles when thinking about that day, he is not going to rest on his laurels.

“[It was a] crazy day, just amazing,” said Hamelin, who has 14 winners for the campaign. “I’m so happy to do that here in Hong Kong and I keep going and try to do it again.”

Hamelin has six rides at the meeting with Preciousship and Prince Of Gems joining Hongkong Great as his leading chances.