A handful of early wins and the benefits of having a full Hong Kong season under his belt means it will be a relaxed Angus Chung Yik-lai heading to Sha Tin on Sunday.

Despite 31 victories in his maiden Hong Kong campaign, Chung admits he felt the heat at times as he learned the ropes of one of the world’s most intense racing jurisdictions.

“There’s not the same pressure as last season. Probably the good start to the season has meant I’m not stressed too much,” Chung said.

“Last season, I had to get used to the racing environment here. This season, I’m more experienced.”

Chung is learning from one of the best in his master, Tony Cruz, and while all four of the seven-pound claimer’s winners this term have been aboard on-pace runners, he believes his race craft is developing across the board.

“I’m feeling better in races, and it helps that it’s been a very good start,” Chung said.

A touch over one-third of Chung’s Hong Kong wins have come for Cruz, and he knows the importance of ensuring he has a wide base of support.

“Pierre Ng [Pang-chi] gives me a lot of opportunities, and Dennis Yip [Chor-hong] has given me two winners, which is great. They’re in good form, so I’m happy to stick with them,” Chung said.

Those two victories for Yip came thanks to the ageless Super Winner, who rises in grade but drops in trip for this weekend’s Class Three Shanghai Handicap (1,200m) after consecutive successes in the space of a week to kick off his season.

After leading throughout on opening day, Super Winner took a sit off pacesetter River Views on September 17 before muscling his way into open air and finishing strongly.

Super Winner is one of several pace influences in Sunday’s race, and Chung is comfortable in the knowledge the eight-year-old does not have to go to the front at all costs.

“Looking at the field, it looks like there could be a lot of pressure to get to the front, but hopefully, everything works out OK,” Chung said.

“He’s up in class, so the horses will be better, but hopefully, he can keep up his good form and keep performing well,” added the jockey of a horse who won in Class Three earlier in his career.

Chung also jumps aboard Sakewin, Master Hero, Beato and Outgate as he looks to keep the ball rolling.

“Recently, I’ve been going well, but you never know what will happen next. Hopefully, I can keep up my performance,” Chung said.