New Zealand jockey Opie Bosson is optimistic about recording his first win for the season on Wednesday night with two solid hopes among his five rides at Happy Valley.
Bosson is particularly enthused about Paul O'Sullivan-trained Lucky Seven (124lb) in the fourth race, the Class 4 Shum Wan Handicap (1000m), and he believes that gate five could prove crucial after coming up with barrier nine three times and the outside draw of 12 once at his last four starts.
"It's a nice change of luck for him, he always seems to draw out wide, which forces us to go back and try to slot in," he said. "From the nice barrier draw, hopefully we can get a better run in behind them. He's knocking on the door, that's for sure.
"He's really got a lot stronger this time in, he's hitting the line quite well. Last season, he was just found wanting that last little bit but he's strengthened up a lot. Hopefully, he jumps away well and can make the last run at them."
The Kiwi rider also hopes that a return to 1000m can bring out the best in Ricky Yiu's Diamond Master (129lb), who has placed twice this season with Bosson aboard, in the Class 3 Wong Chuk Hang Handicap.
"I think the drop in trip is more suitable," he said. "He's been freshened up a little bit in his work and he's been really strong the last week or so. He's getting fitter and fitter with every run, he's got a nice draw in four and I'm definitely looking forward to riding him on Wednesday night."
"There looks a bit of speed in there, so we'll see how he jumps. He tends to race close to the speed anyway, but I'd be happy to take a sit if they go mad in front."
Wednesday's action begins with the Class 5 Heung Yip Handicap (1200m) at 7.15pm and concludes with the Class 3 Yip Fat Handicap (1650m) at 10.50pm.
Bosson is particularly enthused about Paul O'Sullivan-trained Lucky Seven (124lb) in the fourth race, the Class 4 Shum Wan Handicap (1000m), and he believes that gate five could prove crucial after coming up with barrier nine three times and the outside draw of 12 once at his last four starts.
"It's a nice change of luck for him, he always seems to draw out wide, which forces us to go back and try to slot in," he said. "From the nice barrier draw, hopefully we can get a better run in behind them. He's knocking on the door, that's for sure.
"He's really got a lot stronger this time in, he's hitting the line quite well. Last season, he was just found wanting that last little bit but he's strengthened up a lot. Hopefully, he jumps away well and can make the last run at them."
The Kiwi rider also hopes that a return to 1000m can bring out the best in Ricky Yiu's Diamond Master (129lb), who has placed twice this season with Bosson aboard, in the Class 3 Wong Chuk Hang Handicap.
"I think the drop in trip is more suitable," he said. "He's been freshened up a little bit in his work and he's been really strong the last week or so. He's getting fitter and fitter with every run, he's got a nice draw in four and I'm definitely looking forward to riding him on Wednesday night."
"There looks a bit of speed in there, so we'll see how he jumps. He tends to race close to the speed anyway, but I'd be happy to take a sit if they go mad in front."
Wednesday's action begins with the Class 5 Heung Yip Handicap (1200m) at 7.15pm and concludes with the Class 3 Yip Fat Handicap (1650m) at 10.50pm.