John Size unleashed a pair of boom four-year-olds in the form of Nautical Force and Sky Jewellery on the way to a memorable four-timer at Sha Tin on Sunday, moving to 40 winners in the process.

Although he is adamant he is unlikely to challenge for another championship, despite moving to within nine of leader Caspar Fownes, it was a day to savour for the 13-time champion, who at the very least has a pair of excitement machines for the rest of the campaign.

Both were impressive winners of their respective races, but the eye test certainly went the way of Nautical Force, who scythed his way through the field to win the Class Two Fostering An Enabling And Inclusive Society Handicap (1,800m).

Fourth at Royal Ascot and a dual winner in Ireland during seven starts in Britain and Ireland for trainer Johnny Murtagh, the Ghaiyyath galloper was an unconsidered $15.1 for his local debut on the back of 12 barrier trials.

Settled last throughout the journey on a day where it was difficult to make ground, Nautical Force had a wall of horses to pass in the straight, with Karis Teetan opting to go the brave route towards the inside.

It proved to be an inspired decision, as his terrier-like partner motored through the pack and picked off rivals one by one, sliding through the middle of Awesome Fluke and Joy Of Spring before coming away to score by half a length from a rallying Ka Ying Generation.

It was a performance to savour and one that pointed to a smart future in Hong Kong for the import, with Size also heaping praise on Teetan.

“He’s a lovely horse, he’s only a little fellah and he’s probably going to improve with racing in Hong Kong. I think for his first day, that was a wonderful effort,” Size said. “The 115lb has helped with that [coming from last] and he’s obviously got plenty of stamina; he’s got the job done well.

“I’ve got no idea how he will develop and what he’ll go on with, but this is what I thought might be suited for him – if I could get him into a race with a light weight and a bit of distance, I thought he might run well for the owners.

“[Teetan] rode him exactly the way I told him – have a look at the film and that was exactly what he was told to do.

“It was [Nautical Force’s] first day and he was nervous, which we knew he would be, so we knew he’d have to put him to sleep straight away so he could finish the race off. It’s great – if he’s in any other position than that, he’s not going to win.”

Three of Size’s four winners were ridden by Teetan, two of which were on the dirt, with Must Go and Noble Deluxe scoring earlier on the card to open up his hat-trick.

His other winner was ridden by Hugh Bowman, and there was plenty of intrigue surrounding the return of the aforementioned Champion Griffin Sky Jewellery in the Class Three Helping Older Adults Age Well Handicap (1,400m).

Sidelined after bleeding in a trial before his intended return in November, the smart galloper had plenty of supporters for his return, being sent off a $4.8 chance behind market leader Aerovolanic.

It was smooth sailing in the run for Bowman, who enjoyed a charmed passage from behind midfield. Once given the green light in the straight, he charged down the middle of the track to run down the leader 100m from home to win by one and a quarter lengths.

It was a smart performance after such a long lay-off and Size is hopeful he can now make up for lost time.

“That’s nice the way he returned. That’s the way you’d hope he’d come back. You know, it might be a blessing, all these things are sent for a reason. So hopefully if his health maintains, he can win a few races,” Size said.

“It’s just nice to see them come back and do well. You know, it’s not about my gratification, it’s just about the horses that have a problem and can overcome in some way.”

Although happy that his health issues seem to be in the rear view for the moment, Size is all too aware they could resurface and will keep a close eye on his rising star.

“Now, he still had a pre-existing condition, this doesn’t necessarily mean he’s going to be OK forever. I mean, one swallow doesn’t make a spring. So we’ll be quite mindful that that’s always there,” Size said.

“I just take the races as they come along. I haven’t had a thought [on where the horse goes next]. I wanted to see the horse race, then maybe I’ll have a thought.”

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