The Tony Millard yard is enjoying a purple run of form lately and Sichuan Boss can add to the stable joy with a breakthrough victory in the St Andrew’s Challenge Quaich (1,650m) at Happy Valley on Wednesday night.

From the last 40 runners Millard has sent out, he has led in eight winners and the same number of minor placings and Sichuan Boss (Nash Rawiller) advertised himself as one of the next in line on October 29 over the same distance.

That was the gelding’s first run this season and he was forced to work hard early as he chased a hectic pace to sit outside Dragon Dance in the lead.

In the straight, Sichuan Boss gave a decent kick to get the better of his co-leader but was unable to fend off Mr Kool, who had enjoyed an easier run in the race, or the late-closing Gentry and Daring Heart.

He did hold on to a close fourth, though, and it was the best finish Sichuan Boss had produced in his 10 attempts here.

Here, Sichuan Boss has the benefit of gate one on the C+3 course and will get a softer run, most likely sitting behind the sprinter stepping up in distance, Multigogo.

If Rawiller can switch him off there, Sichuan Boss will get every chance to finish off stronger this time and prove the horse to beat.

In Australia, he won his provincial maiden over 1,600m in the manner of an above average galloper, camped on the speed before clearing out to score by 11 lengths.

‘Upset’ Umberto Rispoli ready to keep rolling on a couple of favourites at Happy Valley

His most obvious rival is Empire Star (Zac Purton), who was very green last campaign but seemed more settled in two recent runs, placing over the Sha Tin 1,400m in each.

When third to Unique Joyful in the latest, the very slow lead pace was against him but he found the line doggedly to lose by only half a length as a hot favourite and the extra distance should suit.