Lyle Hewitson is hoping to turn some near misses into winners and continue his strong start to the campaign when he partners some useful chances at Happy Valley on Tuesday night.

The South African is on the 12-winner mark for the campaign and has no complaints about his start, but a combined 30 second and third place finishes so far have left him feeling like there was more in the locker.

“I can’t complain, there’s been plenty of seconds and thirds that of course we’d love to turn into winners,” said Hewitson. “It’s been good but we always want more as we’re competitive.

“I’m certainly not complaining, but I’m always striving for even more. In December there were probably less opportunities and I’m looking to get the ball bouncing again to end this month with a few winners.”

The win column could be added to on Tuesday when he partners Sky Song in the opening Class Five Mercury Handicap (1,200m) for trainer Caspar Fownes.

The No Nay Never galloper has won just one of his 17 starts to date, but he has been a consistent operator of late at this Class Five level and has been beaten less than two lengths in his last two starts.

“I’m surprised he hasn’t won at Class Five level to date,” said Hewitson. “When I rode him he was third at Sha Tin in a Class Four and I thought he was ready-made for Class Five after that.

“In some respects he has been a touch disappointing, but I think he’s one of the better horses in the race and I’d expect him to be able to win a race like this all things being perfect.”

Hewitson also rides Shinkansen in section two of the Class Four Venus Handicap (1,650m), with the Douglas Whyte-trained galloper last seen winning over course and distance in July.

He now goes back up in grade and although Hewitson thinks he will improve from the run, he has no qualms about him competing at this higher level.

“I trialled him at Conghua and was happy with how he went, I do think he’s a horse that this season Class Four will be fine for him,” said Hewitson.

“He did look like a Class Five horse last season, but he’s matured a bit and I think he will be capable in this grade.

“Whether he’ll be good enough over 1,650m first up at this point in his season I’m not sure, but I know he’ll run well.”

Hewitson will also ride dual Group Two-winning Australian import Shanwah in the feature Class Two Neptune Handicap (1,650m) for Whyte, with that useful operator running at the city circuit for the first time.

He has not shown his best in two starts at Sha Tin since moving to Hong Kong, but Hewitson is hoping for an improved performance.

“I’ve galloped him and there’s a few things myself and Doug have chatted about; it’s about getting him around there comfortably, getting him to use the right legs, and getting him to respond well when asked,” said Hewitson.

On a busy night for Hewitson, he also provided positive updates on Charity Gain in the Class Three Saturn Handicap (2,200m) and Giant Ballon in section three of the Class Four Jupiter Handicap (1,200m).

“I’ve had a nice rapport with this Charity Gain, he’s been performing well without winning in Class Three races and it would be nice to finally get the job done and get a win on him,” said Hewtison.

“I’ve got a lot of time for Giant Ballon too, at a price he’ll be one of my better rides of the night. He finished really strongly last start after being dropped out. He has an awkward draw but with a good pitch, he’ll be featuring in the finish.”