A pair of progressive last-start winners and a debutant with strong trial form will carry Francis Lui Kin-wai’s hopes of snaring the outright lead in the trainers’ championship at Sha Tin on Saturday.

Tied with long-time premiership leader Pierre Ng Pang-chi on 61 wins this season, Lui has 10 runners engaged at the twilight fixture with in-form duo Patch Of Theta and Call Me Glorious his most prominent chances.

Two-year-old Karate Express, an impressive trial winner in his latest outing at Conghua, shapes as an intriguing runner for the veteran handler in the Yan Chau Tong Plate (1,000m) for Griffins.

After three wins from his past four starts, Patch Of Theta rises to top weight of 135 pounds in his bid to continue his top form in the Class Three Hoi Ha Handicap (1,400m).

The Zoustar four-year-old has relished stepping up to seven furlongs, registering his three victories and an unlucky third in April at the trip.

He bounced back from that defeat to narrowly hold off the fast-finishing Sunlight Power to claim the Class Three Beijing Clubhouse Handicap (1,400m) last start.

“He’s good. Of course top weight can be tough, but he seems to keep improving,” Lui said.

Hugh Bowman will again ride Patch Of Theta, who jumps from barrier eight. He faces a rematch with Sunlight Power and concedes an additional five pounds to that galloper, who will be ridden by two-pound claimer Jerry Chau Chun-lok.

Like Patch Of Theta, Call Me Glorious is an emerging galloper who can continue his upward spiral in the Class Three Clear Water Bay Handicap (1,200m) on Saturday.

The No Nay Never three-year-old has notched two outstanding wins, a second to boom sprinter Ka Ying Rising and an unlucky fourth in his first campaign.

With Zac Purton jumping aboard for the first time last start, Call Me Glorious made all to win the Class Three Oriental Express Handicap (1,200m) by two and a quarter lengths.

“He’s going well. He’s very strong and his mind isn’t fully mature. Once he learns to relax and listen to the jockey, he can improve more,” Lui said.

Purton will again team up with Call Me Glorious, who rises nine pounds on his last start to carry 130 and jumps from barrier two.

Karate Express has flashed potential in his two most recent trials, following an improved third to score a fast-finishing win in a 1,200m heat.

The son of Alabama Express will jump from barrier five down the Sha Tin straight.

“He’s only two years old,” Lui said.

“His trials have been good in Conghua. The draw is always important with the young horses in their first start.”

Lyle Hewitson will ride Karate Express, who is one of six newcomers in the Griffin race. He is a close relation to Ping Hai Star, the winner of the 2018 Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) for John Size.

Foxhunter Way, Draco, Packing Brilliant, High Rise Power, Highland Rahy, Joy Coming and Meaningful Dragon are Lui’s other runners on Saturday.

After failing to record a winner at the past three meetings, Ng will attempt to strike back when he starts Yoda’s Choice, Captain Win, Prestige Always, Robot Knight, Healthy Healthy, Across Da Universe and Aeroinvincible.