Brenton Avdulla is feeling comfortable in Hong Kong approaching the three-week mark of his stint, but the Australian jockey admits it is time to “hit the back of the net” as he prepares for what is, perhaps, his best book of rides so far.

Avdulla has placed aboard four of his 23 mounts and performed admirably on a number of runners at long odds, but he is still chasing that all-important first winner to put his name up in lights.

“We started off the first meeting just missing on the first ride, and we’ve had plenty of rides that were outside the market, but I’m getting good support from a variety of trainers now, and a few more are starting to jump on board, so we’re getting a bit closer,” Avdulla said.

“I feel like the rides I’ve got coming over the next couple of weeks are getting a bit stronger, too – a lot more competitive chances, even on Sunday – so I’m sure the winner won’t be far away.

“I feel I’ve adapted to the racing really well, so now it’s just a matter of getting on the right horses at the right time.

“I’m enjoying it. I’m enjoying the lifestyle, and it’s been good, but I’ve just got to try and hit the back of the net.”

With countryman Hugh Bowman suspended, Avdulla gets his chance aboard Ricky Yiu Poon-fai’s Mighty Stride, who has won three times from six starts but turned in his worst performance so far when sixth on a soft track last time.

“He looks a nice chance. He was a winner in Class Three a couple of runs ago. Hughie gave him a nice ride, and he ran well,” Avdulla said.

“Then the other day, he had that softish track, and he just didn’t look like he was as comfortable on it. He’s up in the weights, but he’s racing consistently, and he’s drawn well, so he should get a good chance in running. I reckon he’ll run well.”

Avdulla also rides Loriz for Yiu, the galloper aboard whom he very nearly pinched his first Hong Kong win with the first ride of his stint.

“He nearly got the job done for us on the first night out. He’s racing well. He’s up to 1,400m. He’s got there in the past and failed, but I think if he can be nice, relaxed and comfortable up on speed, he’ll give himself every chance to run well,” Avdulla said.

Avdulla gets another chance to impress John Size after placing third aboard Noble Win for the master trainer last weekend, jumping aboard Sweet Encounter in the Class Two Para Sports Coach Handicap (1,600m).

While stablemate Tuchel looks hard to beat under Zac Purton, Sweet Encounter has won over the course and distance and looks to have the class to rise further in the ratings.

“I’m very fortunate John’s given me an opportunity. He gave me one last week, and he ran well,” Avdulla said.

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“To ride a horse like him on Sunday, he’s drawn awkwardly, but he’s got the right formlines through the four-year-old series. He trialled well, and I expect him to run well.”

Avdulla also pilots Regency Happy Star, Mister Arm, Right As Rain and Show Respect.