It’s been a slow start to the season for Lyle Hewitson, but the South African is confident he can turn things around when he rides unbeaten four-year-old Packing Hermod at Sha Tin on Saturday.

Battling in the middle of the championship table with just five wins from 119 rides, Hewitson is maintaining a positive outlook as he attempts to return to winning form.

“I’m really frustrated, of course,” said Hewitson. “I’d rather be on 10 than five. I’ve probably just been on the right horses in the wrong races at times and it’s just about sticking with them because they’re going to find their right races soon.

“But with that said, I’m very happy with the support and I think that’s the main thing because the season is longer than the two months it’s been.

“As long as I’m strong for the next eight months, we can end with a flurry. I think during this month, hopefully from Saturday in particular, we can start to pick up and I haven’t got my head down yet.”

Hewitson is presented with a golden opportunity aboard Packing Hermod after picking up the prized ride because regular rider Zac Purton is unable to make his light weight of 115 pounds.

The Francis Lui Kin-wai-trained gelding could not have made a more impressive start to his career, winning his two starts late last term by a combined five-and-a-half lengths before launching his latest campaign with another comprehensive victory last month.

“He’s a really lovely horse,” Hewitson said. “I had a lot to do with him before his first start – a couple trials and a bit of track work – and I had a high opinion of him from then.

“So to see him do what he’s done so far is no surprise and to be able to get aboard him is an absolute pleasure.

“Thankfully the weight was light and I get my opportunity. It’s just about taking those opportunities with both hands.”

Packing Hermod steps up to Class Two level for the first time in Saturday’s Panasonic Cup (1,400m), which has attracted a quality field including exciting four-year-olds Rubylot and Bottomuptogether, as well as Green N White, Sunlight Power and last-start winner Drombeg Banner.

Hewitson expects the Classic Mile prospect to relish his first start at seven furlongs, while he also hopes the son of Rubick can cross from gate nine to take up his customary role on the speed.

“We want to see him show us that he can get the mile and the other legs of the four-year-old series, possibly, so he’s got to do things the right way,” Hewitson said.

“But looking at how it maps, he’s certainly got the speed to get forward. Then if we can get behind one or two or three, it would be ideal just to have a lead into the race. We could be in a handy spot with cover. I think then he’ll be ready to pounce.”

Rubylot will be chasing a third straight victory for David Hayes and reopposes Bottomuptogether after gunning that galloper down first up.

Like Packing Hermod, the Frankie Lor Fu-chuen-trained Bottomuptogether tackles 1,400m for the first time in what will be a crucial test for his Classic Mile chances.

Hewitson has solid chances among his full book of rides on Saturday’s 10-race card, with Blessed Nation an intriguing Hong Kong debutant in the Class Three Panasonic 2-In-1 Washer Dryer Handicap (1,200m).

Another four-year-old series prospect, Blessed Nation notched a Chantilly win and three placings in France when known as Bless for trainer Fabrice Chappet.

“He’s a horse that’s supposed to be getting over a bit more ground, but he’s shown a bit of freshness in his trials and a bit of speed,” Hewitson said of Douglas Whyte’s recruit.

“We’re not expecting to go and win first time out, especially over the six furlongs, but I think that he’s a very progressive horse and he’ll probably put in an eye-catching performance on debut.”

Hewitson’s other rides include last-start dirt winner Colourful Baron and consistent types Highland Rahy, Strathpeffer and Ching.

“I think they’re the type of horses that will be in the money all day and hopefully we can get our nose in front a couple of times,” Hewitson said.