Refreshed after a forced break through suspension, Lyle Hewitson is eager to make his mark when he returns at Happy Valley on Wednesday night and rides Speed Dragon in Sunday’s BMW Hong Kong Derby (2,000m).

The South African hasn’t ridden since February 25 after copping a six-meeting suspension a week earlier for improper riding on Joyful Champion at Sha Tin.

Stewards hit him with the charge for attempting to force a run when there was not sufficient room between Super Hornet and Copartner Era between the 500m and 300m, leading to Copartner Era becoming badly unbalanced.

Hewitson used the break to freshen up, catch up with family and attend a wedding in South Africa before switching his focus to his return to the saddle.

“I can’t wait,” Hewitson said. “The time actually passed pretty quick. It gave me the opportunity to go back home but it’s also reinvigorated me for coming back, so I’m looking forward to it.”

The 26-year-old has an even book of five rides at Happy Valley but is excited about several of his mounts at Sha Tin on Sunday.

He has high hopes of an upset Derby victory with Speed Dragon, who had excuses when ninth to Helios Express in the Classic Cup (1,800m) last start after being checked early in the race.

Francis Lui Kin-wai’s charge also struck interference in the Classic Mile (1,600m) when a sound fourth behind Helios Express.

“After the Classic Cup, [connections] asked me to keep the [Derby] open to ride one of them. Of course I’ve had a good association with Chancheng Glory, but as the cards fell I ended up on Speed Dragon, who I also know quite a bit about having ridden him in the lead up to his first run and in his first run,” Hewitson said.

“He was huge in the Classic Mile. He might not have the class of those top liners in the race, but I believe he gets the trip and he’s an honest, solid horse. I’ve got to think I’ve got a chance.”

Hewitson also has several strong chances on the Derby undercard, including Lui’s classy sprinter Packing Treadmill and impressive debut winner Call Me Glorious.

“Packing Treadmill goes well for me and he’s in a Class One 1,200m, so it will be nice to be on him again,” Hewitson said.

“Call Me Glorious, who I won on first up, goes up in class but down in weight. Big Red is coming off a long rest, so it might be a bit difficult, but I think he’s got a bit of class and off a low rating, he’ll have a decent chance.

“Second To None for Francis is a winner with two places. He’s a horse with a bit of scope so he’s a decent ride, too.”

Sixth in the jockeys’ premiership with 24 wins this season, Hewitson will aim to make a winning return at Happy Valley when he rides Falcon Court, Gorgeous Vitality, Win Win Fighter, Grateful Heart and Golden Empire.

“Unfortunately my best ride [Fun Elite] was made a reserve,” Hewitson said. “Golden Empire’s in very good form. He’s probably my best on paper. I think he just struggles to win off this mark [72], whenever he gets near the bottom of the 60s, he runs really well. Between him and Win Win Fighter, they’re solid horses and always run me a race.”