Zac Purton believes Lucky Sweynesse is “starting to get to his peak” ahead of the five-year-old’s Group Two BOCHK Private Banking Jockey Club Sprint (1,200m) test at Sha Tin.

After failing to justify red-hot favouritism in his two runs this season, Purton hopes a combination of favourable weight conditions, a suitable surface and improved fitness levels can allow Lucky Sweynesse to regain his hold over the sprinting ranks on Sunday.

“He’s a bit fitter now, and I think the horse is going well. He’s had genuine excuses this season,” Purton said.

On his first run of this campaign, Lucky Sweynesse had to give 19 pounds or more to his five rivals in September’s Class One HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup (1,200m). Settling towards the rear of the field, the star sprinter kept on well but failed to reel in Victor The Winner when runner-up on a yielding track.

After racing more prominently when again carrying 135 pounds in last month’s Group Two Premier Bowl (1,200m), Lucky Sweynesse travelled powerfully throughout the race before Sight Success swooped late to prevail in the final strides.

“He struck a wet track first up carrying a big weight, which didn’t suit him, but he still ran well,” Purton said.

“Last time in the Premier Bowl he ran a really good race. It was just the handicap conditions of the race and the fact that he’s still coming up to peak, which got the better of him.”

Lucky Sweynesse concedes five pounds to the reopposing Sight Success and Victor The Winner in Sunday’s contest, while Wellington also shoulders a Group One penalty as he returns from an absence.

“Set weights and penalties suits him better,” Purton said. “I feel like he’s improved since that run and he’s starting to get to his peak. I’m happy with where he’s at.”

Purton heads to Sha Tin with a 10-strong book of rides and will continue his partnership with Beauty Eternal in the Group Two BOCHK Private Wealth Jockey Club Mile (1,600m).

Sent off a $1.8 chance for the Group Two Sha Tin Trophy (1,600m) on his sole outing this season, Beauty Eternal looked threatening 300m from home but could not land a blow behind California Spangle and Encountered.

“He ran well last time. He was in a good spot and loomed up, and it was just the way the race was run,” Purton said. “They gifted it to the leader, and he was able to sprint off the front. He was always going to be hard to run down.”

The two-time Group Three winner has since impressed in two barrier trial wins at Sha Tin, and Purton hopes Beauty Eternal is finely tuned ahead of his rematch with California Spangle.

“He was always going to have one trial, but he needed the extra trial after to help bring him on a bit more,” the six-time champion jockey said. “With all of John Size’s horses, they generally progress through their preparation.

“It’s always hard with the four-year-old horses because you’re hoping they’re going to improve and take another step. There generally is one that does it. Hopefully, he’s going to be that one.”