Surely not even the most hardcore member of Hong Kong’s punting public would begrudge Maldives a win at Happy Valley on Wednesday.

David Hall’s five-year-old has finished in the first three on seven occasions this season and has been a victim of his own consistency after rising six points in the handicap without managing to get his head in front once.

Luke Ferraris gets another chance to unlock Maldives’ talent in the Class Two Wong Nai Chung Handicap (1,650m) and the young South African rider feels that his work may again be cut out on the quirky performer.

“A lot of the time he’s been his own worst enemy, whether it’s been over-racing, running into trouble or bad gates,” Ferraris said.

“He needs to do a lot right himself, he needs to switch off and get a bit of luck in running but if he gets into the right spot, there’s no reason he can’t finish off like he has been.

“He’s got a lighter weight, which will help. I think this is probably the lightest weight he’s carried this season, so that’s a bonus.”

Ferraris is coming to the end of his first season as a Hong Kong jockey and it’s fair to say that even using his own marking, his report card carries a string of mixed results.

“It’s not been bad but it’s not been great as it’s been pretty stop-start and a big learning curve,” Ferraris said. “I was caught up by a lot of suspensions early on, that set me back quite a bit and made it quite hard to get traction in my first season, but it’s picked up towards the end and I’ve finished strong.”

The 20-year-old jockey has picked up his biggest wins of the season in the final few weeks of this campaign, winning Class Two races aboard Tony Cruz-trained pair The Golden Scenery and Circuit Stellar, and Ferraris has been the subject of positive comments from the legendary handler.

“It was a big feather in my cap to get a compliment like that from someone of Mr Cruz’s stature,” Ferraris said.

Ferraris looking to kick on after Star’s fantastic Group One effort

“It was humbling and I’m proud of that. It’s great to be working with him and I’ve learned a lot riding for him. It’s something to look forward to next season.”

Ferraris jumps back aboard the Cruz-trained Perfect Peach in the first section of the Class Four Sung Tak Handicap (1,200m) but a poor draw may scupper his chances.

“If you change his barrier obviously confidence goes up, but when you’re drawn nine over 1,200m at the Valley, it creates problems,” Ferraris said.

“Tony’s yard is in great form and he’s shown that he’s got some ability, so if things go his way he can finish off his race well.”

Go Ballistic holds a strong place in Ferraris’ heart after becoming his first winner in Hong Kong earlier this season but he must also overcome a bad draw in the Class Five Ventris Handicap (2,200m).

“It’s a pity about his draw,” Ferraris said. “That’s one thing I haven’t had much luck with this season – the draws.

“He’s drawn 11, which is tricky because you jump and go straight into that first bend, so he’s going to need a lot of luck from that barrier. He’s back in the right class, he’s going pretty well and hopefully he can do something.”