Ricky Yiu Poon-fai has unwavering faith in Voyage Bubble’s ability to answer a significant distance query as the trainer’s stable star bids for a historic win in Sunday’s Group One Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2,400m) at Sha Tin.

Striving to become just the second galloper to claim Hong Kong’s Triple Crown, the four-time Group One winner will be tested beyond 2,000m for the first time in what shapes as mouth-watering clash with British raider Dubai Honour.

However, Yiu believes a major change in Voyage Bubble this term will hold the six-year-old in good stead in the city’s final Group One of the season.

“The closer to the race and the more I look at this horse, I think he can absolutely handle the trip,” Yiu said of Voyage Bubble, who comes off a close second to Red Lion in the Group One Champions Mile.

“Compared to last year or when he won the Derby over 2,000m, he’s so relaxed now.

“We’re only talking about 400m more in a small field with a jockey who knows him well. He’s going really well. He’ll be a really good chance.”

Voyage Bubble will aim to cap a stellar campaign featuring elite-level victories in the Hong Kong Mile and the first two legs of the Triple Crown, the Stewards’ Cup (1,600m) and Gold Cup (2,000m).

The Deep Field gelding’s more relaxed nature was on display in the Gold Cup when he was shuffled back in the field before the turn and overcame traffic early in the straight to score an explosive triumph.

River Verdon is the only galloper to achieve Triple Crown glory, claiming all three legs in the 1993-94 season.

Standing in Voyage Bubble’s way is Dubai Honour, who boasts a proven record at the Champions & Chater Cup trip with Group One victories in France and Australia and a second to Giavellotto in December’s Group One Hong Kong Vase.

Yiu has plenty of respect for the William Haggas-trained gelding, who comes off a sound second to star Australian mare Via Sistina in the Group One Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2,000m) at Randwick.

“He’s the main danger. He even did well when he was here last December. Hopefully we can beat him,” Yiu said.

Yiu will also put his faith in superstar Kiwi jockey James McDonald, who has guided Voyage Bubble to half of his 10 career wins.

The son of Deep Field has drawn barrier three in the field of 10, which looks to be bereft of speed after likely pace influences Sword Point and Noisy Boy were withdrawn before final declarations.

“I’ll leave it to the jockey – he can read if they’re going quick or going slow,” Yiu said.

Tom Marquand again rides Dubai Honour, who has drawn the inside gate.

Craig Williams is the other visiting rider chasing Group One glory in the Champions & Chater Cup, with the star Australian continuing his association with Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) hero Cap Ferrat.

The Snitzel gelding followed his Derby success with a solid fifth to Tastiera in last month’s Group One QE II Cup (2,000m). He ran sixth in his only attempt at 2,400m in the Group One Australian Derby at Randwick pre-import.

“I think he can handle it,” trainer Francis Lui Kin-wai said. “His last run was all right. From barrier eight, he had to be used up a little bit more to get a good position.”

Lui’s team engaged for Sunday’s 11-race meeting also includes classy four-year-old Packing Hermod in the Class Two River Verdon Handicap (1,400m).

“He will run in this race and then the Group Three [Premier Cup over 1,400m] next month. He’s improved,” Lui said of his five-time winner.