Lyle Hewitson is hoping to turn some “frustrating” seconds into victories when he partners Samarkand, Oriental Surprise and Exceed The Wish at Happy Valley on Wednesday night.

The South African has enjoyed a strong start to the campaign, saluting on nine occasions, but there is an element of ‘what could have been’, with 12 seconds and a further 11 thirds on the report card.

He rides three of those near misses at the city circuit on Wednesday and Hewitson is hoping to get back on the winning trail.

“It’s been a good start, albeit very frustrating, as a lot of the seconds I’ve had were very close,” said Hewitson. “It could be a lot better and I guess just having that competitive nature, you always seem to look at what could have been.

“Although it’s been a pleasant start, I’m hoping to turn a few of those into winners because I could be in an even better spot.”

The biggest chance on a busy night for Hewitson is undoubtedly Samarkand, who runs in the second section of the Class Four Caroline Hill Handicap (1,650m) for trainer David Hayes.

He has gone close on his last two starts under Hewitson, most recently finishing second after breaking from the widest barrier and only being collared right on the line.

This time, Samarkand has drawn perfectly in stall one and although he carries top weight of 135lb, Hewitson rates him a strong winning chance.

“He’s running well, in this grade he’s a very consistent and solid horse. In fact, all the time he steps on he runs a race,” said Hewitson. “The only thing against him is carrying the 135lb, but besides that, I think he should be just about winning.

“This is a normal Class Four race and for me, he’s the best horse in the race. He’s my stand-out ride for the night.”

The 28-year-old has seven rides on the card and another of his recent seconds, Oriental Surprise, has a big chance in the Class Five Hing Fat Handicap (1,200m).

Another runner from the Hayes stable, Oriental Surprise was beaten a neck by Speedy Smartie, who was on the quick backup following a near miss at Sha Tin, over course and distance on his latest start.

He has drawn barrier six and is another runner that Hewitson is sweet on the chances of.

“I think the 1,200m is more of a natural trip for him, so this should be right up his alley,” Hewitson said. “He’s coming off a good run last start – he was beaten by a horse who was basically in Class Four off it’s rating on the backup.

“That was a bit frustrating, but there’s no reason why he wouldn’t be in the finish again.”

Hewitson also partners the Mark Newnham-trained Exceed The Wish, who came from a mile back to finish second two starts ago and has not been disgraced either side of that run.

He runs in the first section of the Class Four So Kon Po Handicap (1,200m) and Hewitson spies another chance at getting his name on the board.

“He’s a horse who doesn’t show tactical speed from wide draws and he keeps getting wide draws, which is very frustrating as he’s running home well,” Hewitson said.

“Stall eight can be tricky and isn’t totally ideal – we’ve just been wishing he could draw in gate one to five to give him a winning chance. That said, he’s running really well and does deserve his day in the sun.”

Hewitson also rides Call To Command, Splendid Force, Sovereign Fund and Storming Dragon on the nine-race programme.