Local rider Ben So Tik-hung has already snared one cup race for John Size this season 

Local rider Ben So Tik-hung has already snared one cup race for John Size this season and the Australian has thrown the jockey another chance with Sichuan Exec in the Lusitano Challenge Cup (1,600m) at Sha Tin today, reports the HK Racing Post.

Last November, Size legged So aboard Fulfil A Wish when he dead-heated with Penglai Xianzi in the Chevalier Cup and the jockey has since accrued some brownie points with the yard with two winning efforts recently on Turbo Jewellery.

With Douglas Whyte in Japan and a light handicap for Sichuan Exec, So now gets the call up on the promising three-year-old as he goes to 1,600m for the first time.

Crucially, Sichuan Exec also has a draw for the first time, which should see him able to take closer order over the longer trip.

Some of the shine may have gone off Sichuan Exec after his defeat last time out but he quite simply had nothing in his favour, back and wide on a limb over 1,400m from a wide gate.

That should be overlooked and his debut win was excellent, winning over 1,200m with a nice turn of foot despite appearing to be unfamiliar with the racing game.

That Size has continued with him, when he foreshadowed an early break if Sichuan Exec wasn't handling the stress of racing, suggests all has been well with the gelding and he doesn't look unsuited over the longer trip where he should have a better chance to get into his rhythm.

Exceed And Excel, although a sprinter himself, has been able to get talented horses over longer journeys and Sichuan Exec's dam, Grand Archway, was a Group One Victoria Oaks winner at 2,500m.