The Hong Kong Derby is little more than two months away and some of the city’s burgeoning talent will put their big-race credentials on the line this weekend.

While the Classic Mile, the first leg of the four-year-old series, takes place in just two weeks, rising young stars who perhaps possess more stamina than speed will line up in the Class Two Keung Shan Handicap (2,000m) at Sha Tin on Sunday.

At this stage Ensued appears to be the stand-out runner among the four-year-olds in action with a rating of 83 after three wins from his first four Hong Kong starts, including two over course and distance.

Karis Teetan, who sits second in the jockeys’ championship, was on board Ensued for his latest win and the Mauritian rider was impressed with what he felt as he prepares to again take the ride on Sunday.

“It was a nice win last time,” Teetan said. “He’s an improving horse and he’s been doing everything right so far. He’s a big, galloping horse and I was really happy with his win.

“I’m looking forward to riding him. He’s got to carry a bit more weight than he did last time, but I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do.”

Teetan knows exactly what it takes to win the Derby after guiding Romantic Warrior to a head success over California Spangle in 2022, and he is hopeful that John Size’s runner has what it takes to propel him all the way to the city’s biggest race.

“He’s one of those horses who has the potential for those races coming up,” Teetan said.

“Stamina is the thing about him. Of course, he’s in preparation for the Derby. He’s got stamina and once he gets in his motion he keeps rolling. You need the horses that can handle the straight because it can be a tough race. I think he’s got everything you want to go for those races.

“I doubt he will be in the [Classic] Mile, but I think he’s going to maybe go to the 1,800m and get into the Derby. It’s still early to say what will happen, but for now I’m happy to be on him and I hope I will be able to stick with him.”

Ensued’s contemporaries in the race on Sunday appear to need plenty of improvement if they are to factor in the finish, but as Fallon has showed, that is far from impossible in this age group at this time of year.

Ka Ying Generation and Elliptical are making quick turnarounds after finishing eighth and ninth, respectively, behind Fallon over 1,600m last weekend.

The latter was perhaps more eye-catching after being restrained in last place from his outside draw in stall 14 and staying on well in the straight under Hugh Bowman. Vincent Ho Chak-yiu replaces Bowman on Caspar Fownes’ runner.

The final four-year-old in the field is the Tony Cruz-trained Enigma, who has been beaten by a total of 26 lengths in his two Hong Kong starts.