David Eustace is excited to test Dazzling Fit against “the stand-out” Classic Series contender Invincible Ibis in what shapes as a crucial clash in Saturday’s Class Three Poinsettia Handicap (1,600m) at Sha Tin.

Bound for the first leg of the four-year-old series, the Classic Mile on February 1, the Mark Newnham-trained Invincible Ibis chases a third straight victory while Dazzling Fit continued his upward spiral with an incredibly tough win last start.

Trapped wide throughout without cover from gate 14, Dazzling Fit fought tenaciously to narrowly beat fellow Classic Series prospect Beauty Bolt over 1,600m second up.

The son of Ribchester also won back-to-back races over 1,400m at Sha Tin last term and Eustace views Saturday’s race as an important measuring stick for his charge.

“I think they’re the two obvious chances but for me, Invincible Ibis has been the stand-out thus far,” Eustace said.

“I thought he was extremely impressive the other day and trialled well since, so it will be a good test for Dazzling Fit.

“I’m really happy with him. He’s had a good three weeks, largely in Conghua and he’s been galloping nicely, so he looks great and looks to have held his form.

“It’s a bit of a tricky gate with the potential lack of speed, so as a result we probably can’t plan too much, but he goes into the race in good form.”

Dazzling Fit jumps from barrier nine with James McDonald retaining the ride after booting him home last start. Invincible Ibis has drawn gate three with Zac Purton again on board.

Eustace hopes to strike in the final two races on Saturday’s 11-race card, with Riding Together a strong chance in the penultimate event, the Class Three Spruce Handicap (1,400m).

A distant last first up, Riding Together bounced back last start when he made all to defy his $22.8 quote under Lyle Hewitson.

The British import found the front from gate nine on that occasion and an improved draw in barrier three on Saturday has boosted Eustace’s confidence.

“He’s drawn a better gate. Given his run style he doesn’t have to lead, but he will be positive from there and it’s a relatively similar field,” Eustace said.

“He’s got to improve again and he’s gone up 5lb, but he’s just in good form. He’s a very honest horse.”

Majestic Delight, debutant Call Me Success, Inno Super and Glorious Success are the other Sha Tin runners for Eustace, who confirmed Massive Sovereign recently underwent surgery after suffering a fetlock injury.

The injury ruled last year’s Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) hero out of last Sunday’s Group One Hong Kong Cup (2,000m).

“He’s come through surgery well, it’s gone very smoothly thankfully,” Eustace said.

“He had a hind fracture [12 months ago] and it’s in front this time – same surgery and it’s gone well, so fingers crossed.

“He’s on the road to recovery now, he’ll have a good rest and I suppose the timing is similar to last season. There are races at the end of the current season if everything went smoothly.”