A three-length last-start winner and a first-up runner-up meeting his conqueror 14 pounds better off at the weights – it’s a rather enviable position Caspar Fownes finds himself in ahead of Sunday’s Class Two Shing Mun Handicap (1,200m).

Fownes saddles up Dancing Code and Sky Trust for the afternoon’s feature and he didn’t hesitate when asked for his pick of the two: “For me, Dancing Code”.

After finishing two lengths adrift of Tomodachi Kokoroe under Vincent Ho Chak-yiu at the course and distance two weeks ago, Dancing Code gets the services of 5lb-claiming stable apprentice Ellis Wong Chi-wang for this weekend’s contest.

And while Dancing Code received just one point for his second, Tomodachi Kokoroe was whacked 10 points in the ratings for his blistering victory in a time of 1:07.76.

Finally, Dancing Code has drawn barrier six compared to the David Hayes-trained Tomodachi Kokoroe’s 11.

“He’s racing really well. He’s very honest and consistent,” said Fownes of Dancing Code.

“Obviously, Hayesy’s horse was very impressive first up. He left me in his wake but I’ve tried to offset that with his penalty and my claim to try and give me the best chance possible to beat him.”

While Wong’s claim will be Dancing Code’s gain, stablemate Sky Trust misses out on the weight relief provided by the 24-year-old but he will carry just 121lb by virtue of a rise in class after receiving a 10-point hike for his last-start romp.

“He was very impressive but he did have a good draw, he was just behind the speed and there was the sting out of the track that day – it was quite wet – and he relished those conditions,” said Fownes of Sky Trust, who will now be ridden by David Probert rather than Wong.

“They gave him a massive penalty for the win, so that has taken him into uncharted territory. I’ve kept him fresh and he’s in sprinting form but it will be interesting to see how he copes with gate nine. But if it rains, it will definitely enhance his chances.”

Dancing Code and Sky Trust are far from the only two in-form Fownes’ gallopers heading to Sha Tin on Sunday, with The Heir heading into the Class Four Sha Tsui Handicap (1,400m) off the back of a win and a second this season and Sky Song tackling the Class Five Chai Wan Kok Handicap (1,200m) after a solid last-start third.

Most deserving of a win, however, could be Daily Trophy in the Class Four Lo Wai Handicap (1,200m) on the dirt after two close placings to begin his campaign.

“He’s been racing so well and he’s been full of purpose,” said Fownes. “He has drawn gate 10 but he has been better off the past few starts for showing a bit more gate speed. He normally takes a long time to muster.

“He’s in a bright vein of form and I think if he can be around midfield he will still close off the race well like he has shown us in a few previous runs.”