The Class One Chevalier Cup (1,600m) has not exactly been a breeding ground for Longines Hong Kong International Races (HKIR) success, but John Size hopes Running Glory can use Sunday’s edition as a springboard into a creditable performance at next month’s marquee meeting.

The 12-time champion trainer has taken a liking to using the Chevalier Cup as a final HKIR lead-up, and Running Glory follows that same path when Size launches a three-pronged attack on Sunday’s feature.

Over the past five seasons, the Chevalier Cup has been used as a final start before HKIR on seven occasions, with Size-trained gallopers making up the majority.

Size’s What Else But You (13th in the 2018 Group One Hong Kong Mile), Lucky Express (11th in the 2021 Mile) and Excellent Proposal (10th in the 2021 Mile and seventh in the 2022 Mile) are joined by Northern Superstar (fifth in the 2018 Group One Hong Kong Cup) and Butterfield (seventh in the 2021 Hong Kong Vase and ninth in the 2022 Vase) on the recent list of those that have tried, and failed, to fly the Chevalier Cup flag at HKIR.

Only one galloper has parlayed a Chevalier Cup run into a triumph in December, with Precision springing a shock to overcome the outside barrier and salute at odds of $65.8 in the 2002 Hong Kong Cup.

This year, the sole hope of bolstering the dismal HKIR record of Chevalier Cup runners falls on the shoulders of Running Glory, who was ninth in last year’s renewal of the 1,600m Class One.

A seven-time winner from 22 starts, Running Glory made the cut for the HK$36 million Hong Kong Cup (2,000m) when the Jockey Club announced the fields on Wednesday.

After being named among a sparkling line-up for Hong Kong’s richest race – which includes Group One Cox Plate (2,040m) hero Romantic Warrior and Aidan O’Brien-trained Luxembourg – Size confirmed Running Glory will first have to pass the test in much calmer waters this weekend.

“We’ll see how he runs,” Size said. “It’s just one day at a time. He’s handled 2,000m before, so who knows.”

With two wins and four placings to his name in the 2022-23 season, Running Glory edged up the ratings from 89 to 105 in a campaign highlighted by victory in February’s Class Two TVB Cup (2,000m).

After failing to land a blow first up this term in the Group Three Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse (1,800m), Running Glory will be partnered by Karis Teetan for the first time since January, when the pair finished third over 1,600m at Sha Tin.

Running Glory will be accompanied by two stablemates on his return to a mile, with recent Class One Panasonic Cup (1,400m) runner-up, Red Lion, and Bourbonaire among the 11-strong field.

“Bourbonaire ran quite a good race last weekend, so I thought he might as well run again. I think this handicap will suit him,” Size said.

The 69-year-old, who became the second handler to train 1,500 Hong Kong winners last weekend, saddles 11 runners at Sha Tin, including last-start victor Wunderbar in the Class Four Chevalier Lifts & Escalators Handicap (1,000m).

The mount of James McDonald, who begins his five-week Hong Kong stint on Sunday, Wunderbar edged clear of his rivals over the same course and distance earlier this month to shed his maiden tag at the first time of asking.

“He’s only had the one run, and I hope he’ll be able to repeat that win. He’s done well after that win and the horse is fine,” Size said.