A good barrier can help the consistent Zero Hedge notch his third victory of the season when he steps out in the Class Three Australian Turf Club Trophy (1,200m) at Happy Valley on Wednesday night.

The John Size-trained four-year-old is always around the mark – in his past six starts he has saluted twice and finished within two lengths of the winner on every other occasion.

He has come fifth in his past two starts but has been forced to work on both occasions after awkward draws.

Two starts back Zero Hedge was trapped three-wide without cover throughout when beaten by Harrier Jet and last time out Joao Moreira elected to push forward from the outside barrier but he just weakened late.

Those same problems shouldn’t arise here with the gelding having come up with gate five.

Moreira retains the ride and should be able to take a sit behind Prince Harmony (Jack Wong Ho-nam), who typically goes forward and has drawn the outside barrier.

From there, Zero Hedge just needs to find some clear running in the straight and should be right in the finish again.

While that all sounds pretty straightforward, this is not a one-act affair.

Benno Yung’s Cruising steals the spotlight as Joao Moreira closes the gap in title race

Francis Lui Kin-wai’s Shanghai Master (Zac Purton) is another racing well after finally finding his feet in Hong Kong and he looks to be the main danger.

The four-year-old flashed home for second last start and, like Zero Hedge, he has drawn better this time around. The booking of Purton also helps and he should be thereabouts.

Bulb Elite, from the Paul O’Sullivan stable, has been building towards a win and his jockey Umberto Rispoli is riding in good form, while Dennis Yip Chor-hong’s Super Leader (Douglas Whyte) is another who needs to be respected.