Dennis Yip Chor-hong is adamant Fast Network will pass a crucial distance test with the aid of a key gear change when he steps out at Sha Tin on Sunday.

A three-time winner over the 1,000m straight, the son of Wrote heads into uncharted waters when he rises to the mile for the first time in the Class Three Pak Shek Au Handicap.

Like many others, Yip will use the race restricted to four-year-olds to determine whether Fast Network will progress to the Classic Mile on January 31.

The 57-year-old handler has opted to take the blinkers off Fast Network in a bid to help him settle when he takes on Classic Mile contenders Mickley, Markwin, Steps Ahead and others on Sunday.

“We’ll try the mile and see how he goes,” Yip said.

“I think he can handle it, but this time I’ve taken off the blinkers to see if he can relax in the race. If he does, I think he’ll have a strong finish.

“Over 1,000m and 1,200m he needed blinkers, but over a mile I think he would be too keen in the race.”

Fast Network burst on the scene with a smart debut win in June and returned this season with a pair of impressive victories – none more so than his four-and-a-half length demolition job when racing in blinkers for the first time in November.

On his first test over further than 1,000m, the talented galloper acquitted himself well when settling further off the speed than usual and running on late to finish fourth behind Raging Blizzard in a strong Class Two over 1,200m.

That form has proven to be exceptionally strong, with John Size’s Raging Blizzard notching another win at his following start.

Dropping back to Class Three level, Fast Network will carry the second biggest weight of 134 pounds with Zac Purton hopping back on.

Purton rode him on his first four starts but jumped off last start to ride Wunderbar, with Matthew Poon Ming-fai riding Fast Network on his light weight of 117 pounds.

“Everything’s good with him and he’s got a good draw,” Yip said of Fast Network, who has drawn barrier three.

Fast Network’s pedigree suggests he can handle the mile. His half-brother Thunder has won over 1,600m in New Zealand, while his sire’s offspring includes Chill Chibi, Volcanic Spark and The Azure, who have won at a mile or further in Hong Kong.