Alexis Badel is optimistic Bunta Baby can overcome a wide draw when he vies for a Happy Valley hat-trick before the Frenchman partners Beauty Waves in Sunday’s Group One Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1,200m).

The Tony Cruz-trained Beauty Waves last won at Happy Valley two starts ago by a neck over Young Champion but has a tough task ahead in Sunday’s feature against Ka Ying Rising.

“I think his form is a touch stronger at Happy Valley recently. So at this level at Sha Tin, hopefully he can save energy and run a good race,” Badel said.

On Wednesday night, Bunta Baby will bid for his third straight triumph – and second in Class Three company with Badel on board – in the Kalanchoe Handicap (1,000m). The Manfred Man Ka-leung-trained galloper has now recorded three victories and two minor placings from his last five starts over the track and trip.

The son of Cable Bay has proved to be versatile in his races, allowing Badel plenty of options from barrier 11 carrying 125lb.

“He’s a nice horse, he’s got a good turn of foot, he was much closer from the pace last time but I don’t think he has to be this time. The draw is a bit tricky but I think he’s in good form, he can run well,” Badel said.

“I always thought he might be good enough to win Class Three. I don’t know how much he’s got in the tank from a wider gate and with more weight on his back, but he’s one of those that can for sure do well.”

Jubilant Winner is another strong chance for Badel when the Jamie Richards-trained gelding runs at the Valley for the first time this season in the Class Three Roselle Handicap (1,200m).

Badel has built a good association with the Capitalist galloper after partnering him in his last three runs, which included a dominant win over Happy Index two starts ago.

“He’s a nice horse, to be honest. I think it will be interesting to see how he goes at Happy Valley. He’s going to run well,” Badel said.

“I think he remains competitive. He won a race already in Class Three. He’s got a bit more weight on his back, but he should remain competitive.”

The Auspicious will look to improve his record of a win and third placing at his only two Happy Valley starts this season when he lines up in the Class Three Oncidium Handicap (1,800m) for Me Tsui Yu-sak.

The honest son of Almanzor was the victim of a stop-start affair last start at Sha Tin, causing him to become unbalanced at the top of the home straight and finish five lengths behind the winner.

“It was a good run because the race was a bit messy. We didn’t go quick and the leaders didn’t have any pressure, so there were obvious excuses for him and he still ran well through the line. I think the Happy Valley course and distance suits him pretty well. I’m confident he should be there,” Badel said.

Yiu Cheung Victory was given a perfect ride by Badel when sitting off a strong tempo last time out and will look to improve on the third placing when contesting the Class Four Geranium Handicap (1,650m) from barrier three.

“He ran third, well beaten by the two leaders, but still he’s very honest. He’s got gate speed, he’s got a good draw – I think he should hold his spot and run a good race,” Badel said.

“Last start he led all the way. He doesn’t have to lead, but he can. So if we’ve got the right set-up and put him in the right position, he should be OK.”

Solar River and Crystal Power are Badel’s other Valley rides.

Elsewhere on the card, Australian jockey Ethan Brown makes his Hong Kong debut with seven rides.

The 11-time Group One winner kicks off his three-month stint at Happy Valley ahead of riding Sunlight Power in Sunday’s Group One Champions Mile at Sha Tin.

“I got here Sunday morning, so I settled in Sunday, yesterday was a cruisy day and just rode one this morning at track work,” Brown said.

“I can’t wait, I’m very excited. I’ve only ridden in Australia but I’ve ridden in every state in Australia. I’ve ridden at plenty of different tracks there but Happy Valley is certainly unique, so I’m looking forward to that experience.”

Brown’s book of rides is spread across four trainers and includes Concorde Star, Telecom Power, Shooting To Top, Young Arrow, Harmony Fire, Red Elegance and Masterofmyuniverse.

“I’ve got seven rides – I think Young Arrow’s got a good hope and Concorde Star. I’ve got three for Douglas Whyte, one for John Size, one for Cody Mo [Wai-kit] and two for Me Tsui [Yu-sak].”