Chris So Wai-yin hopes his stable star Hong Lok Golf will be equal to the task as he steps out in distance at Happy Valley on Wednesday night for the Group Three January Cup (1,800m).

The son of Grunt was a revelation in his first season in Hong Kong, winning six of his seven starts, including a pair of Class Two races.

He ended the campaign with a victory on his first start at the city circuit over the 1,650m distance, before finding things a bit tough over an inadequate 1,400m on his return back at Sha Tin.

After excuses in his next run, he returned to his best with a devastating turn of foot to win off a mark of 96, defeating Soleil Fighter by a neck, and he is 6lb higher for just his second start at Happy Valley and his first over 1,800m.

The distance should not be an issue according to So and he is certainly not looking to be a back number in a competitive contest.

“I spoke to [owner] Mr Wong [See-sum] and as a miler, there aren’t many races for him and the horse is over 100 points now,” said So.

“We don’t have much choice, so we have to challenge the different distance. He handles everything and it seems like he can handle it (the distance). I want to win – not just to handle it.

“I always say the horse will bring you there – we cannot say ‘we’ll try or we hope’.

“On Wednesday I hope we’ll be competitive and he can handle 1,800m. Last year he handled Happy Valley so I hope we can get a good draw and let’s see how he performs.”

It could be a big night for So, who has a trio of big chances, including another promising sort with the unexposed Perfectday in the Class Three Saint Tropez Handicap (1,200m).

Well held on debut in May of last year, he left that effort in the dust with a narrow victory over 1,200m at Sha Tin in June.

He was not seen for six months after, however, but his return was certainly worth the wait as he produced a remarkable effort to win from miles back from gate 12.

It was one of the most eye-catching wins of the season and So has paired him with Zac Purton from a much better draw in stall five on Wednesday.

“He’s in good form. I can’t tell much – I can’t say he’s improved [from his first-up run]. The last run was amazing, the form is good, he’s a happy horse and I hope he can run a good race,” said So.

“Most importantly, at Happy Valley you need a good draw. When you’re up in class you can’t draw 12.”

So is also looking for The Boom Box to bounce back from a disappointing performance when he drops back to 1,650m in the Class Three APM Monaco Cup.

He was unable to follow up a course and distance success when finding it tough going over the 1,800m trip and although So thinks he will handle it in time, the 1,650m distance might be what he needs at this stage.

“The Boom Box comes back to 1,650m – that might be better. I still think he can handle 1,800m, but last time at 1,800m he was very disappointing,” said So.