Luke Ferraris believes he can continue his recent momentum as he chases his biggest Hong Kong victory with Sauvestre in Saturday’s Class One Panasonic Cup (1,400m).

After a midweek winner at Happy Valley took the South African rider to eight victories for the season, Ferraris is hopeful he can build on his success so far this campaign with a seven-strong book at Sha Tin.

“It’s been good. The draws haven’t been too favourable, but the horses have been running well and I hope it continues,” Ferraris said.

The South African jockey will chase his maiden Class One triumph when he gets aboard three-time winner Sauvestre, whom he partnered to victory over this course and distance on June 18.

“He’s usually carrying 130 [pounds] plus, so to have 122 on his back will definitely help him, especially with the way he runs,” Ferraris said. “His last run was pretty good. He did have to work overtime to get to the front, and he still ran a creditable race.”

A galloper who does his best work when racing handy, Sauvestre most recently finished third to Atullibigeal – who he reopposes on Saturday – at this venue in the Class Two Equestrian Handicap (1,400m) on October 13.

Saturday’s feature will be Sauvestre’s first venture into Class One company and Ferraris, who has ridden the six-year-old on five occasions, is optimistic his mount can handle the test.

“If he gets the race ran to suit, then he should be finishing off strong,” Ferraris said. “He’s pretty versatile, and when he’s in front he switches off. He’s won races from sitting second, so we’ll see how it pans out and take it from there.”

Sauvestre’s main dangers include Atullibigeal and Circuit Stellar, who was a last-start fourth behind California Spangle in the Group Two Sha Tin Trophy (1,600m).

Ferraris finished last season with 35 wins – his best return in Hong Kong – and on Saturday picks up the ride on Happy Angel in the Class Four Panasonic Japan Made System Kitchen Handicap (2,000m).

A winner over the Happy Valley 1,800m two starts back, Happy Angel was a creditable fifth over the same course and distance on October 29. The son of Dark Angel makes his first appearance at Sha Tin since January and steps up in distance for the in-form Pierre Ng Pang-chi stable.

“The trip will suit and his form looks pretty good so far. Pierre’s going great and it’s always nice to ride for a stable in form,” Ferraris said.