Andrea Atzeni is excited about his chances of landing a Group Three double on Sunday when he teams up with one of Hong Kong’s emerging stars, Sky Jewellery, and the in-form Crimson Flash.

A brilliant winner at five of seven starts, the John Size-trained Sky Jewellery will make his feature race debut in the Lion Rock Trophy (1,600m) while Crimson Flash will also make the leap to Group company for the first time in the Sha Tin Vase (1,200m).

Sky Jewellery was one of the leading early contenders for this season’s Classic Series, but Size had to scrap those plans when the The Autumn Sun gelding bled from both nostrils after a trial in November, incurring a three-month ban from racing.

He picked up where he left off in a sparkling return, winning first up last month and again on May 3 with Atzeni on board for the first time.

“It will be good to get back on Sky Jewellery because he’s a very promising horse,” Atzeni said,

“He’s done nothing wrong so far and he was quite impressive the last day. He’s obviously got to up his game again, but he’s a nice horse. He’ll only have a light weight.”

Hugh Bowman has been Sky Jewellery’s regular rider, but the four-year-old’s light weight of 119lb last start paved the way for Atzeni to pick up the prized ride.

The Sardinian made the most of the opportunity, guiding Sky Jewellery to a commanding triumph in the Class Two Members Cup (1,600m) despite saying post-race that he was not suited by a soft track.

Copartner Prance, Sunlight Power, Chancheng Glory, Beauty Joy, Light Years Charm, Winning Ovation, Stunning Peach and Patch Of Cosmo are the other Lion Rock Trophy entrants.

Crimson Flash will bid for a fourth victory this term off the back of a barnstorming second to Patch Of Stars last start, with a slow start proving costly.

“He went really good the other day. The track was wet and he just missed the break, which put me on the back foot straight away,” Atzeni said.

“He looked like he wasn’t going to go anywhere but he actually flew home. He’s done nothing wrong all season, he’s going to have to take this step up at some stage and he’ll be carrying a light weight. His last run was a brilliant run, so you’ve got to take your chance.”

Atzeni has booted home the Mark Newnham-trained Crimson Flash in all of his five career wins.

Entries for the Sha Tin Vase are headed by Raging Blizzard, who is chasing a breakthrough win after five placings – including two behind Ka Ying Rising at Group One level – this term.

Beauty Waves, Tomodachi Kokoroe, Lucky With You, Stellar Express, Invincible Shield, Patch Of Stars, Sky Trust and Romantic Son also feature in entries for the race.

Stellar Express will be ridden by Hugh Bowman, with the Australian ace also booked to ride Copartner Prance in the Lion Rock Trophy.

Sitting third on the jockeys’ championship standings with 54 wins, Atzeni is keen to surpass his previous best result in Hong Kong of 58 wins from last season.

“I’d love to get to 60. I’ve got a two-day suspension coming up which doesn’t help, but if I can get to 60 that would be nice,” Atzeni said.

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