Massive Sovereign will skip Sunday’s Class Two Chevalier Cup (1,600m) and head straight to next month’s Group One Hong Kong Cup (2,000m) with Hugh Bowman in the frame to take the ride.

Trainer David Eustace’s preference to space Massive Sovereign’s runs prompted the move to bypass Sunday’s feature at Sha Tin, with the 2024 Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) winner set for a huge challenge against Romantic Warrior on December 14.

The Irish import has produced three solid runs since transferring from Dennis Yip Chor-hong’s yard, including a tough fourth to Sagacious Life in the Class Two Panasonic Cup (1,600m) to start his current campaign.

“He’ll run in the 2,000m race. His first run this season was great,” Eustace said of Massive Sovereign, who subsequently ran sixth to Encountered in the Group Three Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse (1,800m) last start.

“He probably raced a little bit flat two weeks between runs, so he’s going to have a nice gap between runs. We can give him a trial next week and he’ll need a career best, but he’ll go there in good shape.

“Hugh was riding him on Sunday and he doesn’t have a ride yet in the 2,000m, so if we can get his services that would be great.”

Massive Sovereign, who is also second reserve for the Group One Hong Kong Mile, will be Eustace’s first runner at the Longines Hong Kong International Races (HKIR).

While the son of No Nay Never won’t be in action on Sunday, Eustace still has strong representation with seven runners on the 10-race card.

Classic Series prospect Dazzling Fit is the 34-year-old’s headline act, but his claims in the Class Three Chevalier Insurance Handicap (1,600m) were dealt a blow when he drew barrier 14.

James McDonald has been booked to ride Dazzling Fit, who flashed big potential with back-to-back 1,400m victories at Sha Tin last term. He was blocked for clear running in the straight when an unlucky sixth behind Top Dragon on his season debut.

“His first effort this season was good – he didn’t have a lot of room, but he’s trained on well and I think the mile will suit,” Eustace said.

“He’s progressing. Hopefully he’ll improve from his first to his second run.”

Dazzling Fit isn’t the only Classic Series hopeful in the final race on Sunday’s card, with last-start winners Beauty Bolt and Uranus Star as well as Pope Cody, Six Pack, Sky Vino, Hong Kong debutant Legend Winner and Blazing Wukong also lining up in a competitive contest.

Another key runner for Eustace is talented sprinter Colourful King, who bids to go one better in the Class Two Chevalier E&M Engineering Handicap (1,000m) after close seconds on his two starts this term at Happy Valley.

“Colourful King goes back down the straight for the first time since his first run here. It’s a strong race, but he’s performed well this season,” Eustace said.

A two-time winner in Australia when racing as Blue Renegade, Colourful King has notched both of his local wins over 1,000m at the Valley but was far from disgraced on his only two Sha Tin starts.

With regular rider Andrea Atzeni booked to ride the in-form Crimson Flash, Colourful King will be ridden by Zac Purton for the first time on Sunday. He drew the unfavourable side of the straight track in gate two.

Hyannis Star, Majestic Delight, Golden Triumph, Sports Legend and Hong Kong debutant Heaving, a three-time Australian winner under the same name, are Eustace’s other runners.

“The debutant Golden Triumph’s a nice horse. He’ll need the experience but he’s a nice horse for the future,” Eustace said.

“Heaving I suspect will need the run – first start in a Class Three which looks a competitive race. But he’s a nice horse for the future. We’ve got some nice prospects.”