Hong Kong racing tips: Jim McGrath with three Happy Valley picks on Wednesday

Loyal Baby
1.15 Happy Valley
2pts win

Eason
2.15 Happy Valley
2pts win

Leap Of Faith
2.50 Happy Valley
2pts win

Promising three-year-old can continue the brilliant run of popular rider Matthew Poon when he lines up in Wednesday's 6f handicap (2.15) at Happy Valley.

The 'Poon Train', as the locals call him, has ridden five winners at the last four meetings and it is no surprise that trainer Frankie Lor has turned to him again in an attempt to see this gelding break through at the city track.

The son of Written Tycoon recorded his only win at Sha Tin over 6f last month and was a battling second to Loving A Boom over course and distance last time. He almost overcame a wide draw (stall 11) by pushing forward early and sitting second most of the way. From stall seven there is every chance he might slot in behind the leaders in the charge to the first turn and go one better this time.

The John Size-trained Elon, a three-time winner for William Knight in Britain, goes well for Vagner Borges and looks the key danger.

Borges and Size also have excellent prospects with Leap Of Faith in the finale, a Class 3 handicap (2.50) over 1m½f.

The five-year-old has gone up 5lb for his latest win here, in which he scraped home by the narrowest of margins from Maldives and Invincible Missile. That looks solid form.

Gallant Crown, who has drawn nicely in stall five, is reunited with Karis Teetan in an attempt to notch a fifth win at the track. He is a must for all combinations in this competitive race.

Zac Purton continues to ride well as he piles on the pressure in his title battle with Joao Moreira, who is still suspended. The gap between the two has narrowed to eight (74-66) and that might well be further whittled down as Purton has his usual strong hand here.

Loyal Baby, in the 1m½f handicap (1.15), looks to be the best of his nine rides, closely followed by the David Hayes-trained Birdsville (12.45), who will relish the drop in grade.

After winning a Tipperary maiden auction for Andrew Slattery, Loyal Baby took a long time to find his mark in Hong Kong. He has been placed in his last five starts but is yet to get his head in front. This is his chance, with Purton in the saddle.