David Eustace is convinced Light Years Charm has what it takes to be a legitimate Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) chance if the promising four-year-old continues his ascendancy at Sha Tin on Sunday.

After a brilliant 1,400m victory last month, the Australian import rises to the mile for the first time in the Class Three Tak Ku Ling Handicap in a bid to boost his chances of making the Derby field.

With a rating of 75, Light Years Charm needs a victory to elevate himself into contention for the city’s most coveted race on March 23.

The son of Rubick broke through for his first Hong Kong success at start four when he bolted in by more than two lengths last start, with runner-up Juneau Pride boosting the form by winning his following start.

Eustace is daring to dream of having a Derby runner in what has already been a successful first season training in the city.

“I’m hopeful that he can prove he’s up to it,” Eustace said.

“It looks a pretty open race, so he obviously needs to win and win with some authority. Hopefully he can and I do feel he’s up to that sort of level. He’s got to go and do it.

“He was impressive last time and I’m looking forward to him running again.”

While he is yet to be tested beyond the 1,410m he won over at Lismore last year when known as Bretsal, Light Years Charm is by the same sire as last Sunday’s Classic Cup (1,800m) winner Rubylot and his dam won at a mile.

Hugh Bowman hops aboard the talented galloper for the first time on Sunday, replacing Zac Purton, who is recovering from a fractured toe.

“Hugh had a sit on him in a trial and he was quite taken by the way he quickened up,” Eustace said.

“He’s got to stay the trip and I thought the field looks like the strongest he’s competed against, so we’ll know on Sunday.”

With Sunday’s rivals Dragon Joy and Embraces withdrawn from the Derby entries, Light Years Charm and Liveandletlive are the only two four-year-olds contesting the Tak Ku Ling Handicap who are still in the hunt for the HK$26 million feature.

The latter would need a miracle to get into the Derby field given his lowly rating of 65.

Sunday’s Class Two Carpenter Handicap (1,800m) could also impact the Derby field with Cambridge, Markwin, Sky Heart, Bundle Award and Lo Rider all chasing a much-needed win to boost their mid-70s ratings.

Elsewhere on Sunday’s card, Eustace’s Fortune Warrior will aim for back-to-back wins on the dirt while Regency Happy Star and Baby Satellite will also represent the handler.

Fortune Warrior tackles the Class Four Nga Tsin Wai Handicap (1,200m) after a dominant win at the course and distance on February 12.

“Fortune Warrior was good the other day. He’s gone up nine pounds but probably deserved to on what he did,” Eustace said of the Swiss Ace gelding, who carries 133 pounds on Sunday.

After transferring to Eustace, Regency Happy Star notched his first career win in December and has been placed at his following two starts.

“Regency Happy Star’s been knocking on the door. He’s won his race this year and hopefully at some stage he can win again. We’ve got a nice hand on Sunday,” Eustace said.

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