While Maxime Guyon would quite obviously love to taste success as early as possible during his short-term Hong Kong stint, the star French jockey understandably already has one eye on next weekend’s Group One Longines Hong Kong Vase (2,400m).

In a race he has already won twice thanks to victories aboard Flintshire (2014) and Junko (2023), Guyon partners the impressive Sosie for Andre Fabre in the longest of the four Hong Kong International Races features.

“I think I have a chance. Sosie has run really well twice in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and he has won two Group Ones this year,” said Guyon of a galloper who finished third in this year’s Arc after earlier elite-level wins in the Prix d’Ispahan (1,800m) and the Prix Ganay (2,100m).

“He has amazing form and good ground is much better for him. He’s very easy to ride, and we know Mr Fabre doesn’t come for nothing.”

Guyon, who is licensed in Hong Kong until March 1, will also partner Copartner Prance in next weekend’s Group One Hong Kong Mile.

The 36-year-old has a string of fond memories in the city including his 2011 Hong Kong Derby victory aboard Ambitious Dragon during a scintillating local stint as a 21-year-old.

Guyon has been back for a couple of short-term contracts since, but nothing more than one-meeting missions since 2015.

“It’s been a very long time since I last came to Hong Kong [for more than a quick visit],” he said.

“I stopped coming because I had a daughter, but I am really happy to be back.

“The first year I came to Hong Kong I won the Hong Kong Derby with Ambitious Dragon. It was amazing to win, so I am crossing my fingers to do the same this time.”

There isn’t a Derby winner among Guyon’s Wednesday night book at Happy Valley, but after beginning his stay in promising fashion with a second at Sha Tin on Sunday, he’s hopeful he can extract the most out of his chances.

He likes the look of the Pierre Ng Pang-chi-trained Victor The Rapid dropping in grade for the first section of the Class Four Tai Tam Handicap (1,200m).

“Victor The Rapid is a good chance, I think. It’s nice to have so many rides,” said Guyon, who has six opportunities at his first Valley meeting in a decade.

Elsewhere in his book, the Me Tsui Yu-sak-trained Wonderstar has been racing solidly ahead of the Class Three Plover Cove Handicap (1,000m).

A winner under Matthew Chadwick down the Sha Tin straight three starts back, Wonderstar was fourth from gate 12 over the Valley 1,200m last time out and has drawn gate three for Wednesday night’s short-course contest.

Guyon also jumps aboard Happy Tango, Viva Taste, Perpetual Power and Juicy Dragon at the season’s 25th meeting.