Hong Kong racing tips: Jim McGrath's three fancies at Happy Valley on Wednesday

Fortune Master
1.45 Happy Valley
2pts win

Xponential
2.45 Happy Valley
2pts win

Rattan Kingdom
3.50 Happy Valley
2pts win

Jamie Richards looks set to make an immediate impression with his first three runners in Hong Kong, the most likely winner being Fortune Master in the Class 5 6f handicap sprint (1.45) at Happy Valley on Wednesday.

Richards, 33, arrived from his native New Zealand with a fantastic CV for one so young – four trainers' titles, 53 Group 1 victories, and a strong reputation in Australia too.

He starts with over 50 horses in his stable and ambitions that know no bounds. He has worked hard on networking owners, some of whom have transferred horses from other trainers and others who have purchased new runners.

Fortune Master is a well-exposed six-year-old and seemingly a typical example of his owner looking for an overdue change of luck, as he is 1-18 and has not won in nearly two years.

Since being switched from Golden Sixty's trainer Francis Lui, the gelding has been primed by Richards to win at the first time of asking for his new yard, with in-form Luke Ferraris booked. He has dropped to an attractive handicap mark and his two recent barrier trials were eyecatching.

Additionally, Richards has applied a first-time cross-over noseband and tongue-tie, which are small but significant gear changes. He can expect most opposition to come from the Zac Purton-ridden Raging Blaze, who should go forward from a wide draw.

Richards also has excellent prospects with Rattan Kingdom, a five-year-old with potential, who was switched to him from Richard Gibson. The gelding is well fancied to land the finale, the Class 4 6f sprint handicap (3.50).

Although 0-6, the son of Per Incanto produced a sound effort when third in a 7f Sha Tin handicap last season and has since dropped 6lb in the ratings. He went well in both his trials and can round off a good first day for his trainer.

As ever, Lyle Hewitson and Douglas Whyte have plenty of ammunition to fire, with Xponential arguably their best, in the Class 3 6f sprint handicap (2.45). The gelding was beaten by a wide draw last time but is now much better off in stall five and will go close.

Happy Valley Placepot

1.15
7 Loyal Ambition
12 Pakistan Zindabad

1.45
9 Fortune Master
12 Raging Blaze

2.15
7 Nimble Nimbus
8 Storm Legend

2.45
1 Drops Of God
4 Xponential

3.15
2 Gang Of Brothers
8 Sight Hero

3.50
8 Hardly Swears
11 Rattan Kingdom

2x2x2x2x2x2 = 64 lines

Sign up here. New customers online only. Place your first bet on racing pools for a minimum of £/€5 and win or lose you will receive £/€20 Tote Credit. £/€20 Tote Credit rewarded as £/€10 redeemable against racing bets only and £/€10 redeemable against UK and Irish Placepot bets only. Tote Credit cannot be withdrawn, exchanged, or substituted and expires after seven days. Qualifying bet is the first racing pool bet added to the betslip. Ten to Follow, virtual and football bets do not qualify. Totewin will be the qualifying bet when a Totewin and a Toteplace bet are struck at the same time. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. begambleaware.org.