Hong Kong racing tips: Jim McGrath has three selections at Happy Valley

Supreme Lucky
12.10 Happy Valley
2pts win

Nimble Nimbus
1.40 Happy Valley
2pts win

Rise Brethren
2.55 Happy Valley
2pts win

There would be no more appropriate winner of Hong Kong’s Longines International Jockeys’ Championship than James McDonald, recently voted the world’s best rider in two separate polls, but he can expect fierce opposition in the four legs of the competition at Happy Valley on Wednesday.

McDonald, New Zealand-born but Sydney-based, enjoyed a brilliant Melbourne Cup Carnival and looks set to carry that form over to an attractive selection of IJC mounts, headed by Nimble Nimbus in the 1m½f handicap (1.40).

It is exceptional to find such international depth in the riding line-up, even though the IJC remains one of the most attractive jockeys’ tournaments globally. McDonald pitting his wits against Zac Purton is something to savour, with the local champion aboard the well-fancied Packing Famous in this contest.

There has always been a hint that Nimble Nimbus is on the improve, and he is probably still well handicapped on his present mark in a Class 3. From an inside draw (two) he is going to give this a real shake.

The five-year-old was beaten into fifth in a similar race at Happy Valley on his most recent start, but it may pay to forget that run and instead go on his previous winning effort when he had a length to spare at the line.

Packing Famous is another who still has a little up his sleeve and will benefit from Purton's local knowledge, although most of the visiting riders have previous experience of the tight city track. Ryan Moore’s mount Viva Hunter is value for inclusion in multiples.

It is not an IJC heat, but don’t miss the Danny Shum-trained Rise Brethrenin the 1m1f handicap (2.55), McDonald’s final ride on this nine-race card. Formerly with Joseph O'Brien, the four-year-old is in fine form, although Hollie Doyle's mount Spirited Express should also be considered.

Purton has a strong hand in all the IJC races as he bids for a fourth win in the competition, with his best ride appearing to be the lightly raced Supreme Lucky for Shum in the 5f handicap (12.10). This import has plenty of early speed, and has drawn gate one.

Purton also partners Xponential, who has a great chance in the 6f handicap (2.10), while Tom Marquand could be the value bet on Spicey Grill in the 1m½f handicap (12.40), in which Hugh Bowman’s mount Royal Pride is the danger.