Buoyed by a strong showing on her Hong Kong debut last year, Rachel King will carry added confidence into her second tilt at the Longines International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) at Happy Valley on Wednesday night.

The British-born, Australian-based jockey made a dream start on her IJC debut when she won the first leg of the four-race series on Oversubscribed.

She finished third overall behind Vincent Ho Chak-yiu in an experience she feels will make her better placed to challenge for the crown this year.

“I’ve probably got a higher level of confidence going into it this year, having already ridden at the track,” King said. “To get my first ride to win was huge and it probably did release a bit of pressure.

“Like I said last year when I first looked at the track, it’s not too dissimilar to a few of the Australian tracks and probably more similar to an Aussie track than say a European track.

“So I felt like I did have a bit of an advantage there and definitely coming back for the second year, I feel like one of the locals now. It won’t be easy, but more comfortable.”

King will compete against 11 of the world’s best jockeys in the prestigious contest including seven-time Hong Kong champion rider Zac Purton, James McDonald, champion Briton Ryan Moore, Japanese star Yuga Kawada and reigning IJC victor Vincent Ho Chak-yiu.

She will chase another slice of history, joining Hollie Doyle in bidding to become the first female rider to win the IJC.

In a busy year riding abroad, King became the first female to win a Group race in Japan and was the first Australian-based jockey to ride at the famous Breeders’ Cup meeting in the United States last month.

King will ride Super Sixty, Super Baby, Samarkand and Storming Dragon on Wednesday night, with Super Baby and last-start winner Storming Dragon her best chances.

She is excited to again team up with Super Baby’s trainer Mark Newnham, having won her first Group One on the former Australian-based handler’s filly, Maid Of Heaven, in the Spring Champion Stakes six years ago.

“Mark’s been a huge part of my career in Australia,” King said.

“I rode my first Group One, Group Two and Group Three winners for Mark. He was part of Gai [Waterhouse’s] stable when I was apprentice there.

“[Storming Dragon] won last start, it’s in good form and going well and I got a bit of a push from Mark this morning. Mark’s normally a very good judge, that’s why I’ve always enjoyed riding for him, so he’s keen that it can run a nice race.”

Doyle, the first woman to win a leg of the IJC in 2020, will compete in the HK$1.5 million event for the fifth consecutive year.

“I’m just lucky to be noticed by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, so it’s a huge privilege,” the British rider said.

“I’ve had a winner, but I’ve not been so lucky since. I hope this year I can add to my tally.”

Doyle rated Soleil Fighter her best chance in the third leg on Wednesday night.

Moore was installed the $5.5 favourite in the Jockey Club’s fixed-odds market on Tuesday, but eased to $6.5 after Ho and Purton firmed to $5.5 equal favouritism. Doyle and King are at $15.