Caspar Fownes has high hopes for Straight Arron this season and suspects a return to 1,800m for Sunday’s Group Three Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse will allow his galloper to show he’s on the right track.

After finishing down the field in the Group Three Celebration Cup (1,400m) and Group Two Sha Tin Trophy (1,600m), Straight Arron moves closer to his optimum distance on Sunday.

“I think his best trip is probably 2,000m, but he’s getting to a distance where he has a chance to be competitive,” Fownes said. “He’s been running well, and his form is good. I’ve been happy with his first two runs and his prep.”

A two-time winner in Australia, Straight Arron was unsuccessful on his three starts for trainer David Hayes and moved to Fownes in February rated 73.

The galloper immediately got off the mark for his new trainer over 1,800m at Sha Tin, and recorded a second win over the same course and distance two starts later.

A triumph in May’s Group Three Queen Mother Memorial Cup (2,400m) followed, while Straight Arron’s campaign concluded with a respectable fourth behind Russian Emperor, Romantic Warrior and Five G Patch in the Group One Champions & Chater Cup (2,400m).

Although the five-year-old has failed to really fire on his two outings this term, his trainer expects plenty of improvement as the season progresses.

“We’re hopeful for this season. He’s currently rated 107, and hopefully we can get him rated 115 to 120,” Fownes said of a galloper he is hopeful can make an impact at next month’s Longines Hong Kong International Races.

Lyle Hewitson hops aboard Straight Arron for the first time in Sunday’s feature and the gelding will reoppose stablemate Senor Toba – the mount of Keith Yeung Ming-lun.

Last season, Senor Toba carried 133 pounds to victory in a six-runner renewal of February’s Group Three Centenary Vase (1,800m) before making international trips to Qatar and Dubai, where he finished seventh, eighth and 10th.

“Senor Toba has won a Group Three over 1,800m, and he’s known for being a real stayer,” Fownes said of his charge, who beat Straight Arron home when finishing sixth in last month’s Sha Tin Trophy. “His final sectional [in the Sha Tin Trophy] was the fastest in the race. He’s in good form, but he’ll need some luck.”

A total of 10 runners go to post for the Ladies’ Purse, including Encountered – who was second to California Spangle in the Sha Tin Trophy – and last-start winner Super Sunny Sing.

Fownes will saddle six other gallopers on Sunday’s 10-race card, with Galaxy Witness taking his chance in the Class Two Eleanor Handicap (1,600m).

Unsuccessful from 13 appearances last term, Galaxy Witness flashed home from an outside gate to finish fifth at Happy Valley on September 20 and will face 10 rivals in the Class Two contest.

Fownes ready for another title push: ‘Straight Arron excites me the most’

Harry Bentley is one of the beneficiaries of Vincent Ho Chak-yiu’s suspension, with the English jockey reigniting his partnership with the five-year-old.

“He’s carrying a big weight, but this looks a nice race for him,” Fownes said of Galaxy Witness. “He’s racing very consistently and I think he deserves a win.”