Douglas Whyte is hopeful Majestic Knight can continue his love affair with the Happy Valley 1,000m after finally getting the galloper back to his sweet spot.

Victorious in his past three runs over the course and distance of Wednesday night’s Class Two Jackson Handicap (1,000m), Majestic Knight has raced exclusively at Sha Tin in six starts this season – including three times at Group level – after his rating hit triple figures following his win towards the end of last campaign.

“He’s been running in the wrong races but unfortunately there was just nothing else around for him,” Whyte said of his six-year-old, whose best result this season was a fifth in October’s Group Three National Day Cup (1,000m).

“They’re very few and far between, races for him at the Valley, especially after he won the way he did and his rating went over 100. My hands were tied and it’s taken a while to get him back to the rating he’s on now.”

After being ridden by Britney Wong Po-ni, Keith Yeung Ming-lun and Karis Teetan so far this season, Majestic Knight joins forces with Hugh Bowman for the first time since his win in July.

From gate four, Bowman should be able to find some cover around midfield in a race featuring the likes of Tomodachi Kokoroe, Brave Star and Bottomuptogether.

“It’s a strong enough race and he’s got to do it the hard way with [135 pounds], but he’s got Hugh on and he’s as honest as the day is long at the course and distance,” Whyte said.

“It looks like it will suit him – it looks like those lightweights have got a lot of speed and hopefully they go fast and suck us into the race.”

Majestic Knight is one of eight rides for Bowman at the midweek meeting, while the star Australian was also busy at Tuesday morning’s Sha Tin trials.

After punching around Colourful Baron for Whyte, Bowman jumped aboard the John Size-trained The Winnabe as the promising four-year-old builds up to his return to the races.

Successful in two of three starts last season, The Winnabe shaped as a serious Classic Series contender but he hasn’t been seen yet this term and jockey Alexis Badel confirmed he was concerned with the gelding’s action after a barrier trial in October.

“He wasn’t out to do much. He was really just there to burn around without any effort,” said Bowman after The Winnabe jumped well from the outside gate and strode out nicely to cross the line in fourth.

“Although he galloped into contention, it was pretty comfortable for him. He’s been a while off the scene obviously but his enthusiasm was there and signs are positive from this morning. Hopefully he can continue on this path to the races.”