Colin Keane is the most popular pick to win Wednesday night’s Longines International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) at Happy Valley, with three of the South China Morning Post’s racing tipsters siding with the Irish jockey.

Keane has been popular with punters since betting opened, shortening from $14 to $9, while reigning champion Vincent Ho Chak-yiu has firmed into $5.5 favouritism.

There are four IJC point-scoring races – the fourth, fifth, seventh and eighth events at the city circuit – with 12 points for first, six points for second and four points for third in those contests.

Who will collect the HK$600,000 first prize? Here is what our analysts think.

Sam Agars – racing editor

Ryan Moore is no stranger to IJC success, winning in 2009 and 2010, and the star British rider can add a third title to his mantelpiece thanks to a strong book kicked off by Grand Nova in the opening leg.

Victory aboard the John Size-trained Grand Nova can set the wheels in motion for Moore, while he should pick up further points aboard Caspar Fownes’ Daring Pursuit in leg three.

The value in the competition looks to be Mickael Barzalona, who is the rank outsider at $25 despite having a genuine winning chance aboard Super Unicorn in the third leg and the potential to grab points atop Aurora Lady in the finale.

Jay Rooney – form guide editor

Colin Keane could be one that flies under the radar and he has a solid chance of going one better than 2018 when runner-up on his IJC debut.

The champion Irish jockey has solid claims on Cody Mo Wai-kit’s Circuit Seven in the first leg, Ricky Yiu Poon-fai’s in-form galloper Sure Joyful in the second leg and David Hall’s Kyrus Dragon, who bids for a hat-trick in the finale. Keane’s other ride, Romantic Laos, could also score points without surprising.

Hugh Bowman also looms as a big chance, with Gustosisimo and Jumbo Fortune his best rides.

Jack Dawling – racing reporter

While he hasn’t had the best of luck at his three previous appearances at the IJC, Yuga Kawada looks to have a strong hand heading into this year’s prestigious event.

Rick Yiu Poon-fai’s Golden Darci can get the ball rolling in the second leg, while the in-form Spicy Gold can seal the deal for Kawada in the finale. David Hall’s Never Too Soon may also get on the scoreboard on his return to the Valley in the third leg.

Reigning champion Vincent Ho Chak-yiu rates the most immediate danger, while William Buick and Ryan Moore can also break into double figures.

Phillip Woo – racing writer

Woo’s tips have Keane winning the first two IJC legs on Circuit Seven and Sure Joyful, respectively, to collect the trophy, with Ho, Buick and Teetan fighting it out for the minor money.

Vincent Wong (Shannon) – statistics editor

Wong agrees with Woo that Keane will be flying back with an IJC trophy in his luggage, projecting a decisive win for the Irishman. His tips have Ho, McDonald and Moore battling it out for second.

Racing Post Online

The ratings predict a tight contest on Wednesday night, with Purton just edging out Teetan, Ho, Kawada, Barzalona and King.

Tom Wood – Jockey Club commentator

Wood’s selections have Bowman and Moore in a league of their own out in front, with the Australian prevailing thanks to a double.