Michael Chang Chun-wai banked his first double since April to continue his strong start to the season at Sha Tin on Sunday.

While Chang has found himself battling to meet the trainers’ benchmark in recent seasons, the 62-year-old looks unlikely to have the same concerns this season after five winners from the first nine meetings.

After opening his account thanks to the victory of Forever Folks under Ben Thompson in the Class Four High West Handicap (1,650m) on the dirt, Chang completed his brace by taking out the Class Three Sai Wan Shan Handicap (1,200m) with Lady’s Choice to move to sixth in the premiership.

It was Karis Teetan who piloted Lady’s Choice to a short-head victory over Mighty Stride in his first run since knee surgery in June.

Lady’s Choice sat just off leader Hong Kong Hall in a race with plenty of early speed before assuming control at the 300m.

“I thought he was going to throw in the towel again because we went pretty fast,” Teetan said of Lady’s Choice, who placed seven times last season without saluting.

“He sort of travelled into the straight, which he always does, but I didn’t want the leader to stop that fast. Once the leader stopped, he hit the front and he thought about stopping himself.

“The whole straight, he just wanted to stop. I was just trying to throw everything at him.

“He’s got it there, but he’s cheeky – he just wants to give up. I’m just glad his head was in front past the line and I’m glad for Michael. His stable is going well and he’s got the horse flying.”

While Chang and Frankie Lor Fu-chuen were the trainers to enjoy doubles, Cody Mo Wai-kit could count himself a touch unlucky not to join them after debutant Markwin failed by a whisker to join stablemate Alpha One in saluting.

Sent off $18 after some nice Conghua trials, Markwin was as good as last turning for home in a race devoid of early pace before rattling home in 21.87 seconds despite finding trouble in the home straight.

“This horse is much improved in Conghua. His last trial was good,” said Mo after Markwin fell a neck short of Aeroinvincible, who enjoyed being allowed to bowl along in front by Zac Purton after racing keenly in prior starts.

Mo only had to wait 30 minutes for redemption, with Alpha One leading throughout to snare the Class Three Federation Of HK Guangdong Community Trophy (1,000m).

Another with some decent trial form, Alpha One enjoyed the step back to five furlongs to improve on his first-up 10th and land his first Hong Kong success at start four.

“This horse is a good horse but he’s not gelded, so it makes him a bit heavy,” Mo said of a galloper who finished second behind 2022 The Everest winner Giga Kick in a Group Three in Australia pre-import.

“I went to the 1,000m race so he can show his speed. He ran very well and he has ability for sure.”