Alexis Badel will look to continue his rip-roaring start to the new season when he partners the likes of Brilliant Express and The Red Hare at Sha Tin on Sunday.

The 35-year-old has racked up four wins to start the campaign, headlined by a treble last weekend that included a remarkable last-to-first victory aboard $66 chance Same To You.

His hot start could be set to continue on Sunday, with a strong book of rides that includes the promising Brilliant Express in the Class Two Yi Tung Shan Handicap (1,200m).

The son of Starspangledbanner won three times last season, including one when ridden by Badel, despite having some woeful luck with wide barriers.

In his final six starts of the season, he drew double-digit barriers on five occasions and he has been done no favours with stall nine for his reappearance.

That may end up being a help rather than a hindrance on his return to 1,200m, however, and Badel is hopeful of a big showing.

“I think he’s a good horse – hopefully he will be fit and we’ll see how he handles the Class Two over the shorter distance,” said Badel. “But obviously he’s a quality horse and I’ve had success with him, so I’m happy to get the ride.

“I think there’s more to come from him, I think he’s very progressive and I don’t see any reason why he wouldn’t be able to improve.

“Over the 1,200m, I might not have the speed against those Class Two specialists, so the wide draw might be irrelevant.”

The draw has also been crucial for another of Badel’s chances, Tactical Command, who runs in the Class Three Ma Kong Shan Handicap (1,200m).

All five of his career wins have come from stall four or lower, so a draw in barrier 10 on Sunday does not bode well if history is any indicator.

He was a winner at Happy Valley when last seen, but he has won at Sha Tin in the past and Badel thinks his good form could be enough to overcome the draw.

“He’s a very good horse when he’s on the fence, he’s massively advantaged when he has the rail to help him,” said Badel. “He’s going up in class and he’s going back to Sha Tin – he’s a very honest horse and in good form.

“He’s always tried his best for me and he keeps improving, so hopefully we have more to come this season.”

Badel is also hopeful of a big performance from the lightly raced The Red Hare, who shaped with lots of promise in three starts last season for Frankie Lor.

He has trialled well in the lead-up to his return and Badel is hoping some of his immaturity has been ironed out.

“He’s a horse with quality but he’s a touch immature, he’s still learning how to settle but I think he’s got the ability to do well and his trial was satisfying, showing some improvements from the previous ones,” said Badel.