Angus Chung Yik-lai has a trio of solid chances at Happy Valley on Wednesday night, headlined by last-start winner Outgate in the first section of the Class Three Bonham Handicap (1,200m).

The seven-year-old saluted for the first time in 623 days when he was dropped back in trip from 1,650m to 1,200m, winning by three quarters of a length over the smart Bienvenue who will step out as a favourite in the Class Three Craigengower Cricket Club Challenge Cup (1,200m).

“I didn’t expect a win last time because he always shows he’s going to 1,650m or 1,400m, and then he went back to 1,200m. I thought it would be too short for him before the race, but he actually performed very well,” said Chung.

“He’s a very fit horse. We were struggling to find a reason why he didn’t perform in the previous race, but my boss Tony Cruz found a way – he went back to 1,200m and the horse performed.”

The duo will jump from barrier eight and will use their natural gate speed to an advantage.

“I think this race, compared to last race, is a bit different because we’ve got quite a few fast horses on the inside, so I think I’d probably sit third and fourth behind the leader,” said Chung.

Chung also has strong claims aboard Macanese Master, who contests the Class Five Conduit Handicap (1,000m) over his favourite trip.

The six-year-old has won two of his Hong Kong starts since being imported from Australia via Macau, with both victories being over 1,000m with Chung in the saddle.

“The first time this horse won, it was just a pass mark – he was weak in the last 50m but was brave enough to hang in there. The second time we won, it was impressive,” said Chung.

“The reason for that is because the start before he went to 1,200m on the dirt. After that run I felt like his fitness went up quite a lot.”

The Universal Ruler galloper has won a trial with Chung on board since triumphing at his last start, giving the jockey plenty of confidence.

Another of his chances is Good Luck Win, who has suffered a series of unfortunate gates of late but has finally drawn well in barrier two in the second section of the Class Four Hatton Handicap (1,650m).

“He’s getting his fitness, I won’t say he’s 100 per cent fit, but hopefully we can use the barrier to our benefit.”

Chung will line-up on two other contenders on the card, Igor Stravinsky in the Craigengower Cricket Club Challenge Cup and Up With Charm in the first section of the Class Four Breezy Handicap (1,200m).