Jim McGrath with three bets for Happy Valley on Wednesday

Sugamo
12.45 Happy Valley
2pts win

Fortune Hero
1.15 Happy Valley
2pts win

Mclucky
2.45 Happy Valley
2pts win

Like most champion jockeys who turn to training, Douglas Whyte has found it necessary to play the long game, assembling a team of owners and horses who he hopes will propel him to the top ranks of his new profession.

It takes time, and all winners count, which is why Mclucky can play his part by keeping up the momentum in the Class 3 6f handicap (2.45) with stable apprentice Jerry Chau claiming 7lb in a hotly contested race.

An inside draw (stall 2) will certainly be of assistance to the Snitzel four-year-old, who won twice for Kris Lees on the Sydney circuit after starting his career in New Zealand. His profile is perfect to get off the mark in Hong Kong at the third time of asking.

Mclucky finished an encouraging second in the same grade over course and distance on his last start, a repeat of which would see him to go close. Joao Moreira has deserted Stock Legend for the progressive Dancing Fighter, while Kai Xin Dragon should be running on strongly at the finish.

Earlier, Whyte and Chau also combine with Harmony Fire in the Class 4 5f handicap (12.45), although both may find it tough going against the Caspar Fownes-trained Sugamo, who also displays potential.

Harmony Fire has never been out of the frame in four starts and is progressing well, while Sugamo put the writing on the wall with an excellent fourth on his debut down the straight 5f course at Sha Tin. They are talented three-year-olds, but Sugamo is preferred.

Richard Gibson, buoyed by his triumph with Wellington on Champions Day, has his horses flying, and he is the trainer to follow when saddling lightweight Fortune Hero in the Class 4 6f handicap (1.15).

The four-year-old won a Class 5 three starts ago after taking time to settle in, but he is clearly now on the upgrade and might still be ahead of the handicapper. The son of Starspangledbanner represents value in a wide-open race.

Significantly, Zac Purton has taken the ride on Moonluck, another with potential on his current mark.

Tote Placepot

Race 4 (1st leg, 1.15): 10 Moonluck, 12 Fortune Hero
Race 5 (2nd leg, 1.45): 1 Showina, 2 Take What You Need
Race 6 (3rd leg, 2.15): 5 Royal Racer, 7 Rainbow Light
Race 7 (4th leg, 2.45): 3 Mclucky, 4 Stock Legend
Race 8 (5th leg, 3.15): 3 Wine And Wine, 7 Majestic Star
Race 9 (6th leg, 3.50): 2 California Rad, 10 Igniting

Happy Valley card

Bet through the Tote

Bets can be placed into HK pools with the Tote, Coral and Ladbrokes

Download the free Racing Post app for cards, form, tips, in-app betting and to watch live races. Download for free at racingpost.com/mobile or search Racing Post app