Mark Newnham is hoping his ultra-consistent Spicy Gold can collect another cheque in the Class Three Seine Handicap (1,200m) at Happy Valley on Wednesday night.

Alexis Badel has built up a brilliant partnership with Newnham’s So You Think galloper, who has won three of his nine starts this season.

After ending last campaign with a Class Four course and distance win, Spicy Gold has gone from strength to strength this term, doubling up on return in the same grade.

He completed a track and trip Class Four hat-trick on his next start, lashing down the outside in taking style after a patient ride from Badel.

After two seconds in Class Three company, he broke through at the fifth attempt, once again diving late after sitting on the shoulder of the leader throughout the journey.

Spicy Gold will arrive on the back of another good second and Newnham does not see any reason the good times will not keep rolling.

“He’s probably the most consistent horse in my stable – he hasn’t missed a cheque all season, winning four times since July,” said Newnham. “He’s finished second three times too and even when he didn’t place, he still collected some prize money.

“He’s been fantastic all season [and] for all that now he probably has found his right mark on 75. Three of his wins have been in Class Four so to be on 75 and only winning in Class Three once, he’s probably near the peak of his powers.

“He’s got some gate speed so he can put himself in a good position from a decent draw. He’s not showing me any signs that he won’t hold his form again and he’s in a nice race against horses similar to him.”

Newnham also runs Tactical Command in the Class Four Ciron Handicap (1,200m), who has snared a pair of wins this season over the track and trip.

He arrived fast and late to grab both of those wins, most recently when saluting at $12 with a strong late surge under Badel.

Things have not gone to plan since, with barriers 11 at Sha Tin and 12 at the Valley putting paid to his chances before the gates had even opened.

Much to the relief of Newnham, his Charm Spirit gelding has drawn barrier four this Wednesday, which is giving him plenty of cause for optimism.

“The draw makes a big difference. The statistics tell you that it’s nearly impossible to win from stall 12 at the Valley so he was always up against it last time,” said Newnham.

“He’s won four races, with the draws being one, one, two and four for those, so that tells you how crucial the draw is for him.

“He doesn’t have enough pace to go forward from outside draws, but when he draws inside he can take up a nice position.

“The handicapper has him pegged pretty well with where he’s at – he’s certainly improved this season but has paid for his consistency.

“That said, he’s got a good chance because he’s holding his form well and has drawn in the perfect place – inside barriers are absolutely crucial to him.

“Alexis Badel’s strike rate for the stable has been excellent, he rides Happy Valley well and gets on well with him, so that helps too.”