Fresh from sharing the spoils of the DBS x Manulife Million Challenge, Tomodachi Kokoroe and Copartner Ambition will meet in what shapes as an exciting Class Two at Happy Valley on Wednesday night.

On the final night of the series on February 21, Tomodachi Kokoroe surged to the lead with victory in the Class One Singapore Pools Handicap (1,200m) before Copartner Ambition drew level with a fast-finishing second to Bon’s A Pearla in the Class Three Sing Woo Handicap (1,200m).

The two sets of owners each pocketed HK$675,000 in bonuses.

They will clash for the third time in their careers in the Class Two Soko Islands Handicap (1,200m), which also features Bon’s A Pearla and consistent performers Gummy Gummy, Bundle Of Charm and Wonder Kit.

Chasing a third straight win and fifth victory this season, Tomodachi Kokoroe has been a revelation for David Hayes, who is confident his charge can continue his top form.

“When you see Cairns form you tend to worry, I would say,” Hayes said, referring to the gelding’s six straight wins in Queensland when known as Bank Bank Bank.

“But it’s converted very well here. He settled in here and really thriving, so hopefully there’s a little bit more to come as well.

“I actually think he’ll be just as good at Sha Tin, but when he started winning [at Happy Valley] we left him there because of the bonus and we got it.”

Hayes’ confidence was boosted when Tomodachi Kokoroe drew barrier five, while Danny Shum Chap-shing’s Copartner Ambition has to overcome a wide draw in gate 10.

“He’s probably got the best barrier he’s had for the last couple of runs,” Hayes said.

“Karis [Teetan] has ridden him brilliantly and got in from [barriers seven and 12 at his past two starts], but it won’t be as hard for him because of the gate.

“He is going up to the top class with a bit more weight. I would say his form’s the same as last time and he’s got the mare [Bon’s A Pearla] to beat, who looks pretty good on the way up, but he’s always a good benchmark and pretty hard to catch.”

In contrast to Tomodachi Kokoroe’s draw, Teetan has been set a task on Turin Mascot after the Pierre Ng Pang-chi-trained gelding drew barrier 11 in the Class Three Peng Chau Handicap (1,800m).

Turin Mascot was dealt the same barrier at his past two starts when third to Simply Maverick and an unlucky second behind Noble Pursuit.

“It hasn’t been easy for him,” Teetan said. “[It was a] great effort both of those runs to come through them and still run second and I’m looking forward to riding him again. Pierre’s stable is going really well, so let’s hope he gets the right run and I think he’s going to be strong.”

Among Turin Mascot’s opponents is True Genius, the only BMW Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) entrant set to race on the eve of the final field being announced. With a rating of 74, the Tony Cruz-trained gelding could earn a Derby start if he improves on recent form to win the Peng Chau Handicap.