Hewitson believes Speed Dragon can handle the 147th BMW Hong Kong Derby

Lyle Hewitson is confident that Speed Dragon will be able to manage the increase in distance in the 147th BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) at Sha Tin on Sunday, 24 March.

Although Speed Dragon has not yet been tested over this distance, he finished fourth in the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m), despite being impeded. In the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m), Speed Dragon had a wide trip and finished ninth. Both races were won by Helios Express.

After serving his suspension, Hewitson, who is 26 years old, will be riding five horses tomorrow night (Wednesday, 20 March) at Happy Valley. Earlier today (Tuesday, 19 March), he rode his BMW Hong Kong Derby horse in a turf gallop at Sha Tin.

"This morning he galloped beautifully, so it's all systems go," said Hewitson of Speed Dragon's work.