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GREG Childs began his first full Hong Kong season with a winner - and he's hoping it will remind trainers he is ready, willing and able to land a lot more before next June.

   Childs is retained by Neville Begg, who is in his last Hong Kong season, and the yard is far from full with the result that the New Zealand ace could have unwanted time on his hands.

  'I am not running around pushing myself forward because I have been to Hong Kong on several occasions now and ridden for quite a lot of trainers. I am attached to Neville's stable and I am very happy to be with him, but obviously I could use outside rides,' he said.

  'I don't expect to have full books every week, but it would be nice to be kept really busy - and I need outside work for that.'    Childs duly advertised his talents on Mannidear (9-2), resuming a successful association with the enigmatic Irish import who had slipped a long way down before scoring.

   He did that for Childs at the end of last season so it was a back-to-back double - albeit separated by some 31/2 months. Trainer Gary Ng Ting-keung had no hesitation turning to Childs upon his return and he was not disappointed.

   In the end, Mannidear won by a handsome two lengths and did not look in danger of defeat from the turn on.

   He was eased down by Childs and had slipped too far clear for fast-finishing Mehrban (20-1) who came with his customary late run under Steven King.

   Childs said: 'Keeping him outside was really the key to it all. He doesn't seem to like to be on the inner of going through horses to win.

  'When he gets it the way he likes it, Mannidear is all right. He certainly did not shirk it today and that's now a couple of wins for him.'    The five-year-old was helped by the off-season reclassification as he was not harshly treated for his late season winning, running yesterday off a rating only two points higher.

   Sunflower (6-1) finished a fair third in the Class Five, 1,400-metre event, but 7-2 favourite Precious Bobo failed to flatter and finished 11th in the field of 14.



Childs sends out timely reminder