David Eustace has impressed with his ability to get the most out of his horses early in his Hong Kong career and now he will get the chance to put the polish on a Group One performer after the arrival of Victor The Winner in his stable this week.

Successful for Danny Shum Chap-shing in January’s Group One Centenary Sprint Cup (1,200m), Victor The Winner’s owners have opted for a change of scenery for their galloper after his last-place finish following a tough run on speed in last weekend’s Group One Hong Kong Sprint (1,200m).

“Danny couldn’t have done any more with him, he’s been expertly handled and he arrives in great order. I’m grateful for the opportunity from the owners to train him and he looks to have plenty of good racing left in him,” said Eustace.

“He’s a lovely horse and he’s only six. He’s a Group One winner, he’s a consistent performer and he’s very sound.”

While Ka Ying Rising looks to have a mortgage on any sprint he contests in Hong Kong next year, Eustace is open-minded about what may lay ahead for Victor The Winner, who was only two lengths off Lugal when sixth in September’s Group One Sprinters Stakes (1,200m) in Japan.

“I haven’t had a chance to really make a plan for him but he’s in great shape and his condition is terrific, so obviously the Hong Kong Sprint will be a target. I’d also consider travelling him after seeing how well he performed in Japan at the start of the season,” said Eustace.

Before getting his teeth into rebooting Victor The Winner, Eustace will look to add to his six winners for the season with seven runners at Sha Tin this Sunday.

Swift Ascend leads the charge in the Class Three Lukfook Joaillerie Handicap (1,200m) after saluting twice already this season, including last start at the course and distance.

“His form at the Valley is excellent but he takes a little bit of time to hit top gear. The longer straight at Sha Tin was ideal last start and he won well,” Eustace said of Swift Ascend, who has drawn gate two and will again have the services of James McDonald.

“He’s got to improve again – he’s nine pounds higher in the ratings – but he has trained on nicely. I’m happy to draw two and hopefully we get a soft run.”

Swift Ascend will be joined by fellow last-start winner Silvery Breeze in flying the Eustace flag, with the four-year-old son of Dundeel certain to be sent off shorter than the $70 quote he carried to victory last month.

Driven to victory by jockey Karis Teetan from gate one over 1,400m on that occasion, Silvery Breeze will have barrier 14 to contend with in this weekend’s Class Three Lukfook Jewellery Dear Q Handicap (1,600m).

“He just doesn’t like the dirt, to be honest, but for him he trialled quite well the other day – he did actually extend and pass a couple,” Eustace said of Silvery Breeze’s 10th in a trial since his shock victory.

“He galloped very nicely on the grass on Monday and his condition is good. I’m really happy with the way he’s trained on.”

Rounding out Eustace’s hand are Hong Kong debutant Light Years Charm – “he’s been a pleasant surprise in how he’s trialled” – Hailtothevictors, Regency Happy Star, Podium and Sunny Shines.