Andrea Atzeni thinks a return to Sha Tin could pay dividends for Colourful King when he lines up in the Class Two Philip Chen Trophy (1,200m) at Sha Tin on Saturday evening.

The Blue Point galloper was a two-time winner from five starts in Australia before arriving in Hong Kong, where he has won twice for trainer David Eustace.

Beaten on debut at Sha Tin, he has subsequently gone from strength to strength at the Valley, winning a pair of Class Three races over the 1,000m trip before two near misses up in Class Two company.

Most recently, he arrived just half a length too late when falling short of Kaholo Angel, and Atzeni is hopeful that a switch in venue could be just what he needs.

“He’s a nice horse. He’s moving back to Sha Tin for the first time since his debut over 1,000m. His runs at Happy Valley have been good but it seems like it’s taking him more time to hit his top gear,” said Atzeni.

“Hopefully the longer straight at Sha Tin will suit him better. He’s a horse that can sit anywhere in a race – every time he’s run at the Valley he’s gone against really fast horses so there’s always been a hot speed and he’s got back.

“It’s likely to be the same case again on Saturday with Harmony N Blessed, Tomadachi Kokoroe and Lady’s Choice going forward, so hopefully we can get across into a nice position and he’ll be finishing well like he has.

“He’s very lightly raced. Obviously he had a few starts in Australia before coming here but he’s only a three-year-old and he’s a very promising horse. He’s done well this season and there’s lots to look forward to next year, too.”

It will be a busy day for Atzeni, who has rides in 10 of the 11 races, including last-start winner Smiling Emperor in the Class Four Ip Jug Handicap (1,800m).

Trained by Jimmy Ting Koon-ho, Smiling Emperor was ridden by Harry Bentley when quickening up smartly to win a Class Five at the Valley over the 1,650m distance.

That was his first win at the 11th attempt and Atzeni is hoping a light weight can help him double his tally.

“He’s a good ride to pick up, he won well at the Valley the last day but is now up in class as a result,” said Atzeni.

“His best runs have been in Class Five races, but hopefully with a light weight and a good draw he can still run well.”

Atzeni also rates the chances of the twice-raced Field Marshall in the opening Purves Quaich (1,200m) for Griffins.

The David Hayes-trained son of Deep Field has gone to the front in his two starts so far, with a drop back to 1,000m possibly not suiting last time out. Back up in distance with a bend, Atzeni will be looking to open his account.

“He’s ran well both times so far. This is the first time I’ve ridden him but he looks like a great ride to get,” said Atzeni.

“He’s got a good draw in one and his form ties in with Light Years Glory, who he’s 7lb better off with, so I’m hoping for a big run.”