Lyle Hewitson hopes gate one will not be a poisoned chalice for Ching as the galloper resumes in the Class Two Eleanor Handicap (1,600m) on Sunday.

Despite impressing the South African jockey with an “unbelievable” barrier trial last month, Hewitson is concerned an inside draw and a recent setback could have Ching facing an uphill battle.

“Gate one could be good as gold or terrible for him, as he doesn’t want to be out of his comfort zone,” Hewitson said.

“I would probably have liked to draw wider, as he’s a horse who drops out and comes around them. It always forces your hand being in gate one, but I’ve got to ride the horse before I ride the race.”

Hewitson partnered Ching on four wins over this course and distance last season, and despite that mishap – the Jockey Club lists the five-year-old as having a lame right fore after a September 22 barrier trial – the rider was not short of compliments ahead of the galloper’s reappearance.

“He’s a lovely horse. He’s probably just behind that eight ball fitness-wise, but in terms of a first-up run, I’m happy with where he is,” Hewitson said. “He was supposed to come back about two weeks ago, but after his trial [in September], he knocked himself and had a small setback.”

Winless from his first four starts, Ching immediately got off the mark when his partnership with Hewitson began in January, landing a Class Four contest at Sha Tin. Three victories from his next six outings followed, with the gelding ending the season rated 29 points higher than he started it.

Ching has had two all-weather barrier trials in the lead-up to this campaign, with Hewitson particularly impressed with the most recent.

“He felt unbelievable. He trialled as good as he could,” Hewitson said. “In terms of health and wellness, I think he’s doing really well, but being race fit is another step.

“Michael [Chang Chun-wai] has done as well as he can getting him ready for this race, and hopefully, he continues his form from last season.”

Among Ching’s 10 rivals is hat-trick-seeking Superb Boy, who will have to handle Class Two company and 1,600m for the first time. The five-year-old prevailed by a short head on his first-up outing over 1,400m, and Keagan de Melo takes the ride in the absence of the suspended Hugh Bowman.

“It’s his first time going the trip, so we’ll need everything to go our way, but I think gate two will definitely help,” De Melo said. “He’s in good form, his work has been solid, and I think he’s probably up to the challenge.”