He is responsible for Michael Chang Chun-wai’s only Class Two victory in the past two and a half seasons, and the handler feels he could not have Family Folks in better shape ahead of his tilt at another victory in the grade at Happy Valley on Sunday.

Family Folks returns to his favourite course and distance for the Class Two Guangzhou Handicap (1,200m) and carries only 121 pounds under Antoine Hamelin. However, the pair will have to overcome the tricky barrier 10.

After winning over the Valley 1,200m in his final start of last term, Family Folks was a solid fourth in a strong Sha Tin contest first up this campaign. Chang expects a return to the course and distance of four of his five wins to bring the best out of his galloper.

“He’s going well. He had his first start two weeks ago to prepare for this race, and he’s sound and healthy,” Chang said.

“He’s a course-and-distance winner, and he should be very competitive over the 1,200m at the Valley.”

Family Folks meets an even contest. The likes of Campione, Majestic Star and Buddies stand between the six-year-old and his sixth career victory at start 24.

Family Folks is one of only two runners for Chang at the single Valley day meeting of the season, and he also gives Golden Four a chance in the Class Five Chaozhou Handicap (1,650m).

Golden Four improved significantly between his first and second runs this term, enjoying the switch to the city circuit after 51 starts at Sha Tin and the step up from 1,400m to 1,650m.

Hamelin was aboard for the most recent of those runs and retains the mount on the eight-year-old son of Denman, who jumps from gate seven.

“Last start was his first start at Happy Valley and I was quite happy with his run. His handicap has dropped down a lot, so he should go close,” Chang said of his 26-rated charge.

After strikes in the past two seasons for failing to meet the Jockey Club’s trainers’ benchmark, Chang is in the midst of fighting for his career, with a third strike likely to spell the end of his 17-year stint as a trainer in Hong Kong.

Fownes won’t be Happy with fewer than two winners at the Valley on Sunday

While he has had only two winners across the first 14 meetings of the 2022-23 season, he has had six seconds and five thirds, so he is pleased with how his stable is operating on the whole.

“My horses are performing well, they just need a touch more luck,” said the 60-year-old. “I’ve got a few youngsters coming up in the next couple of months who can maybe help me along a little bit.”