Jamie Richards looks to continue his strong start to the campaign with his aptly named La Forza in the Class Three Hok Yuen Handicap (1,200m) at Happy Valley on Wednesday night.

The 36-year-old endured a frustrating campaign last season but has quickly put that in the dust, racing to seven successes and unleashing some smart winners along the way.

“We had a shocker last season, but I’m very pleased with how things have kicked off this time around. Long may it continue,” said Richards.

A three-time Sha Tin winner, La Forza reappeared with a great third over 1,000m at Happy Valley three weeks ago. He will step up in trip for his second run of the campaign and Richards is hoping he can overcome a lacklustre draw.

“He ran well on his first run this season over 1,000m and we’re trying the 1,200m for the first time, but he hasn’t drawn well which is the negative,” said Richards. “If he jumps well and can travel into the race, he’s got a good chance.”

La Forza is one of four good chances on the night for Richards, who also runs The Way We Win in the opening Class Five Ngau Chi Wan Handicap (1,650m).

His five-year-old was a winner at Matamata before being imported and Richards has been forced to take his time with the son of Charm Spirit, who has plummeted from an opening rating of 63 all the way down to a mark of 26 ahead of Wednesday.

Although winless in 14 Hong Kong starts, Richards has been waiting for luck to be on The Way We Win’s side this season and after a good second last time, he is buoyed by a useful draw in gate three.

“He’s been running well without luck. He’s yet to draw a barrier but he kept on well at Sha Tin last time,” said Richards. “He’s been a typical [previously raced import] that has taken a lot of time but he’s dropped significantly in the ratings now and has a gate this time.”

Richards also runs Thunder Prince in the first section of the Class Four Fung Mo Handicap (1,200m), with the son of I Am Invincible making his stable debut after switching from Chris So Wai-yin’s barn, while Sunday’s Serenade will bid for a third course-and-distance success in the second section of the Class Four Hung Luen Handicap (1,650m).

“Thunder Prince is not the easiest horse to train, but I was pleased with his trial and he’s going the right way – he just needs to learn to relax. He’s got a good barrier so hopefully Hugh [Bowman] can get him a run in midfield and if he does relax, he’s a chance,” said Richards.

“Sunday’s Serenade was desperately unlucky last start, he had absolutely no luck when he needed it. He’s trained on well so I haven’t done much with him but he’s getting there and hopefully the pace is a bit too strong and he can come into it well.”

Richards currently sits sixth in the trainers’ premiership, just four winners behind early leader Mark Newnham.