Joao Moreira will kick off his three-month stint as retained rider for Caspar Fownes when the pair combine with a full card of nine runners at Happy Valley on Wednesday night.

Moreira is one of the city’s most decorated jockeys, having ridden over 1,200 winners and been crowned champion jockey four times in the jurisdiction, and will look to begin his latest campaign with a bang.

Fownes will bid to reclaim the trainers’ championship lead where he currently sits second on 43 winners – four wins behind Mark Newnham – and is looking forward to having the “Magic Man” aid his mission.

“It’s going to be great to have Joao back. I’m sure the fans will be very happy. I know we’re all very happy to have him riding for the yard, so we’re looking forward to it,” Fownes said.

“We’ve had a very good relationship in the past. It’s great, he’s a lovely guy and he’s a super jockey most importantly. I think everyone’s going to be happy with him being back here, so we look forward to that.

“We’ve got a couple of nice chances on the night, so hopefully we can get a win or two – it would be nice.”

Fownes and Moreira have several strong chances, including the consistent Mighty Commander who will be eyeing his third win this season when contesting the second section of the Class Three On Lan Handicap (1,200m). The Artie Schiller galloper will jump from an ideal draw of four at his favourite track and trip.

“Very honest horse, always runs well. His trial was nice the other day, so he’s a chance,” Fownes said.

Perfect General will also be looking for a third win this term when stepping out in the first section of the Class Three On Lan Handicap after a challenging last-start run saw him checked at the 700m and finish towards the back of the field.

“He didn’t get the gate last start, so he draws four this time – he’s, again, a very honest horse,” Fownes said.

“You know they’re going to be racing well, but you know what this game is like – you need luck and you need things to fall into place.”

Sky Cap will be looking for back-to-back wins when he breaks from barrier seven in the second section of the Class Four Wyndham Handicap (1,200m).

The son of Capitalist showed a superb kick when saluting last start in the Class Four Ireland Trophy (1,200m) by half a length over Rainbow Seven and will carry 6lb extra on Wednesday night.

“He’s carrying a bit of weight and drawn a little bit awkward, but he presents well there,” Fownes said.

Elegant Life steps out in the Class Four Graham Handicap (1,000m) following a commanding victory two starts ago in Class Five company over the course and distance.

“Obviously he was nice two back and still in good form last time. He appears to be well, kept him fresh, not an ideal draw in gate nine but he looks good,” Fownes said.

The remainder of the pair’s artillery is made up of Decision Link, Vermilion Tempest, Golden Brilliant, Monarch County and Sky Vino.

Moreira’s stint will end in line with the season finale at Happy Valley on July 15.