Winless from a roster-low 10 rides this season, Alfred Chan Ka-Hei hopes for a change in fortune when he reignites his partnership with Kurpany in Sunday’s Class Two Kwangtung Handicap Cup (1,000m) at Happy Valley.

A seven-time winner from 28 appearances, Kurpany upset the apple cart when saluting at $25.6 on resumption under apprentice Ellis Wong Chi-wang, defeating his four rivals over 1,000m at Sha Tin on September 17.

The six-year-old’s trainer, Caspar Fownes, then called upon the services of Vincent Ho Chak-yiu for Kurpany’s next and most recent start in the National Day Cup (1,000m) on October 1, a Group Three event in which he finished third behind Stoltz and Adios.

With Wong yet to gain approval from Jockey Club stewards to ride at Happy Valley, and Ho suspended until November 12, Fownes has entrusted Chan with the assignment aboard Kurpany in Sunday’s feature.

“It hasn’t been going so well this season, but I’m trying my best,” Chan said. “Kurpany has beaten a few of these already, so I think it’s a good chance for me, but the draw isn’t ideal.”

Chan rode Kurpany to success on dirt in the Class Two Aldrich Bay Handicap in January 2022 and acknowledged the continued support of the sprinter’s handler.

“Caspar is a top man. If you’re hard-working, he’ll repay you and give you good horses to ride,” Chan said. “Kurpany is an easy horse to ride, and he’s in top form, so hopefully, he can bring me some luck on Sunday.”

Fownes has recorded seven wins at Happy Valley this term and believes the consistent speedster is a lively contender returning to the city circuit for the first time since July.

“Kurpany is in good form, and going back to Happy Valley will suit him. There are a few nice horses in the race, but he always runs well,” Fownes said. “He’s a strong, big horse, and he has a chance with five pounds off his back.”

The form of Kurpany’s recent third in the National Day Cup received a big boost when Sight Success, fourth in that Group Three contest, shocked Lucky Sweynesse in the Group Two Premier Bowl (1,200m).

“Kurpany is very versatile. He’s good on the dirt, he handles the straight, and he’s good at the Valley, so he gets a chance to pick up some money,” Fownes said.

Fownes saddles six runners at Happy Valley on Sunday, with Hugh Bowman’s suspension enabling Matthew Chadwick to take the ride on hat-trick-seeking June Planet in the Class Three Zhuhai Handicap (1,650m).

“He’s up in class, down in weight, and ridden by Matthew Chadwick for the first time. His winning form is good, so we’ll be hoping for another big run,” Fownes said.

Packing Hurricane, who notched three consecutive wins over 2,000m at Sha Tin last season, races over an extended journey in the Class Three Guangzhou Handicap (2,200m).

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After two below-par efforts over 1,600m and 1,800m this term, Fownes believes the step up in trip will suit the four-year-old on his second appearance at Happy Valley.

“He’s at the right distance, so he gets his chance. He’s had two races to strip fit this season, and hopefully, he runs his race.”