Trainer Caspar Fownes hopes I'm In Charge can take the next step and join the top echelon of sprinters after a convincing feature win, but hasn't given up on beaten stable stalwart Lucky Nine just yet.

I'm In Charge maintained a perfect three-from-three strike rate for jockey Matthew Chadwick with a comfortable victory in the HKSAR Chief Executive's Cup, the traditional season-opening sprint feature that has become a strong pointer to future success.

There were mixed feelings for Fownes post-race, thrilled on one hand that I'm In Charge had taken another step towards Group race targets, but forced to put a positive spin on Lucky Nine's unplaced effort, which on face value was disappointing.

"He could be competitive in some of those big sprint races down the road," Fownes said of I'm In Charge, after the six-year-old took his record to six from 14.

"Every season there are a couple of horses that can get into that top group and progress to mix it with the top sprinters. If there is a group of six or so top sprinters, then he is the type that is heading in that direction."

Lucky Nine drifted in betting to jump 14-1 and finished 10th in an unflattering display that may have put plans to travel back to Japan on hold for the eight-year-old. Fownes was considering a third shot at the Sprinters' Stakes early next month, a race his warhorse has finished fifth in twice previously.

"Overall, I think it was a forgive run," Fownes said. "I really feel he has a lot left to give, I really believe that, so let's just see how he scopes and how he pulls up. We'll trial him and then make a decision."

Lucky Nine was squeezed up between runners after jumping for apprentice Jack Wong Ho-nam and Fownes said the 10-pound claimer may have erred tactically as well.

"He is a horse that doesn't like being knocked around in the run, and maybe he should have just eased out of it there," he said.

Chadwick did well to find space on I'm In Charge after settling three horses back on the fence from barrier one, and his mount let down under his light weight to beat the fast-finishing runner-up Exciting Dream and third-placed outsider High Five.

John Size will be left to weigh up the future of Teofilo Calva after the second elect suffered a second heart irregularity, with race favourite Beauty Flame also missing the frame.

The season programme falls nicely for Fownes if he wants to progress I'm In Charge to the Hong Kong Sprint, but the inventive trainer hinted he could step back up in trip.

I'm In Charge won four times over 1,200m last season, but broke his local maiden over 1,400m, giving his handler more options.

"I might have to think about that and go to a 1,400m race for him, or just keep him at the six furlongs, which has been working really well," he said.

"I think he'll only improve now and we'll go forward, keep progressing him and treat him like he's a horse on the up."