James Orman is a man in flying form and the Australian jockey, buoyed by an extension to his riding contract which sees him remain in Hong Kong until the end of this season, heads to Happy Valley on Wednesday night (7 January) with four mounts, including Superb Guy (123lb) in the Class 4 Hong Kong Club Challenge Cup Handicap (1650m).

Orman said: “I’ve had a fairly good start, so I have to try and keep the ball rolling. I’m happy to be able to stay for the rest of the season. I must thank The Hong Kong Jockey Club, and I just have to keep getting winners.

“From when I started out riding, to then winning a few Brisbane premierships, and then the next goal was to try and ride here. It’s good to be in Hong Kong, and to be able to be riding successfully, but obviously I want to get better and better.”

Orman has six wins from his past 37 rides, enhancing his tally this term to 12 after 34 of the 88 scheduled fixtures. Standing 177cm tall, the 28-year-old has 25 career wins in Hong Kong after initially relocating for a six-week introductory stint last February.

“It’s a lot more competitive getting rides here, but the racing is very similar. It’s fast and tight, but the competitiveness comes with the small pool of riders,” Orman said. 

Yet to partner Superb Guy in a race, Orman – a three-time Brisbane Champion Jockey (2021/22, 2022/23 & 2023/24) – galloped the Francis Lui-trained four-year-old on Sha Tin’s dirt course in 54.4s (29.5, 24.9) on Monday morning (5 January).

“I rode him in trackwork; he went along nicely. He ran a nice third last start, so let’s see,” Orman said. “The good gate (one) is a help; it always does around Happy Valley.”

Superb Guy has placed third twice from seven appearances. Lui, 66, currently has 998 Hong Kong wins. Only John Moore (1,735 wins), John Size (1,628), Tony Cruz (1,583), Caspar Fownes (1,193) and Ricky Yiu (1,080) have surpassed Hong Kong’s 1,000-win milestone.

Orman also partners Another Zonda (123lb) in the Class 3 Des Voeux Handicap (1650m).

“I’ve won on Another Zonda before. He’s drawn barrier 10, but he can race on speed and he’s always there around the mark. He ran well when I rode him and then in the (LONGINES) International Jockeys’ Championship (sixth place on 10 December) it was a strong race. He didn’t run too bad, but he’s capable of better than that and this looks a little bit easier,” Orman said.

Orman and Richard Kingscote’s contracts were due to expire on 18 February.

Kingscote said: “I have had a nice bit of support, and The Hong Kong Jockey Club has extended my contract – which is great. We’re enjoying our time here, and hopefully I can get a few more winners. We’ll just keep working – 15 seconds is a positive, but also frustrating.”

The 39-year-old links with Loch Tay (128lb) in the Des Voeux Handicap for second-season trainer David Eustace, who is two shy of reaching the 50-win milestone in Hong Kong.

Kingscote said: “Loch Tay is back out on Wednesday and he’s got a decent barrier (five). He trialled well the other day (on 29 December) and he seems to be going the right way.”

Maxime Guyon is also thriving. The 36-year-old takes six mounts, led by Hong Kong International Sale graduate Corleone’s (120lb) hat-trick bid in the Des Voeux Handicap. 

“He has a really good gate (five) and he’s in top form. I think it’s a good ride, and the weight is light, so everything is ok for him. I hope he can win this race,” Guyon said.

Jerry Chau reunites with two-time winner Flying Wrote (134lb) in the Class 4 Jackson Handicap (1200m) for trainer Tony Cruz.

Chau said: “He’s in good form this season. We’re lucky he has a good draw (four) again. In his trials he shows he’s a bit lazy, but in races, he always tries really hard.”

Wednesday’s (7 January) nine-race fixture at Happy Valley kicks off at 6.40pm with the Class 5 Murray Handicap (1800m).