He has missed most of the ride with Super Sunny Sing, but Matthew Chadwick is thrilled to be back aboard the five-year-old as he looks to continue his ascension in the Group Three Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse (1,800m) at Sha Tin on Sunday.

A winner in tandem with Super Sunny Sing in December, a fractured ankle then kept Chadwick sidelined for eight weeks and gave Vincent Ho Chak-yiu the chance to form a union with the gelding that netted three consecutive victories, including February’s Hong Kong Classic Cup (1,800m).

In the saddle for Super Sunny Sing’s first-up third this campaign, Chadwick then watched on as the fit-again Ho rode Super Sunny Sing to victory in last month’s Class Two Beijing Handicap (1,600m).

With Ho suspended, Chadwick again reunites with the five-year-old and has been impressed with his recent progress.

“It’s nice to be back on Super Sunny Sing,” Chadwick said. “Vincent has had a good partnership with him, and unfortunately for me, I was out when it all started to click.

“I got back on him after a six-month break at the beginning of this season, and I thought he ran well.

“He’s a horse that’s improving. His last trial was definitely the best since I’ve ridden him, and he felt like a different horse. I’m looking forward to it.”

Super Sunny Sing tackles Group company for the first time on Sunday, with Chadwick confirming connections opted for the softer option as they plot a course towards the elite level with the 100-rated galloper.

“There were some discussions about where we should go next after his last win. It was almost a toss of a coin. The [Group Two] Sha Tin Trophy (1,600m) looked a lot stronger on paper, and we thought this would be an easier path for where he is at the minute,” the jockey said.

“I think it’s the right choice, and hopefully, he can back that up this weekend.”

Super Sunny Sing has recorded wins over 1,200m, 1,400m, 1,600m and 1,800m, and the jockey is hoping the Ladies’ Purse can shed some light on the galloper’s optimum trip.

“You’d like to think there’s plenty of improvement in him, but we are still figuring out what his best distance is,” Chadwick said.

“Early on in his career, he was pulling a bit, and now he’s more relaxed. Initially, we thought a mile would be his best, but he could probably get 2,000m now. The 1,800m this weekend will be a nice gauge of what he can do.”

A win in Sunday’s feature would be the first Group success of trainer Chris So Wai-yin’s career, and the handler is not underestimating the challenge ahead.

“It’s a big test. Last year, he won over 1,800m, but he wasn’t rated 100, so this year is totally different,” So said. “Matthew sat on him at the trials and said he feels a different horse, so I really hope he is right.”

If Super Sunny Sing were to win the Group Three contest, a trip to the Longines Hong Kong International Races could be on the agenda.

“We’ve entered him in the [Group One Hong Kong Mile] and the [Group One Hong Kong Cup (2,000m)], but we’ll see how Sunday goes,” So said.

“It depends on how he performs on Sunday. If we have a chance, maybe we’ll go, but we’ll talk to the owner.

Super Sunny Sing’s nine opponents include last year’s winner, Money Catcher, and the Caspar Fownes-trained Straight Arron.