Marching towards a seventh Hong Kong jockeys’ championship, Zac Purton hopes Triumphant Warrior can extend the Australian’s recent hot form when Danny Shum’s charge contests the second section of the Class 4 Hin Yiu Handicap over 1200m at Sha Tin’s eight-race all-dirt meeting on Wednesday.
Leading the 2023/24 standings with 107 wins – 35 clear of nearest rival Karis Teetan (72) with only 13 meetings left in the season – Purton takes six rides before travelling to Japan to partner Ricky Yiu’s Voyage Bubble in the Grade 1 Yasuda Kinen (1600m) at Tokyo Racecourse on Sunday.
With four victories at Sha Tin on Sunday, Purton has 1,717 Hong Kong wins and requires 96 more wins to reach Douglas Whyte’s all-time record in the city of 1,813.
“I thought he (Triumphant Warrior) was a little bit disappointing last time, we put the hood on him because he over-raced badly the start before when the pace steadied and he took off and emptied out the last bit in a race that he probably could have won,” Purton said.
“Last time, we had the hood on, he had a perfect run, the tempo was good, he relaxed really nicely and he was a bit disappointing, so coming back to 1200m might be a bit more suitable after a few runs at a mile.
“The tempo should suit him a little bit better. He’s a bit of a slow maturing horse but when the penny drops with him, he’s going to be capable.”
In the midst of another consistent season, Teetan hopes to extend his lead over third-placed Hugh Bowman (56 wins) when he partners Ricky Yiu-trained Adefill in the Class 2 Chun Shek Handicap (1650m).
“It’s nice to get back on him and it’s been a while since I’ve got on him. He comes with a weight (54kg) where I get a chance to ride him,” the Mauritian said.
“He’s a horse who’s at home on the all-weather, so he trials really good on it. Form-wise he’s going really well and he’s in good shape so I think in this small race he’s going to have his chance.
“Things didn’t go his way on his last start, he sort of got stuck behind some horses. I don’t think he really got his opportunity. He handled the track really well in his previous wins and he should be more competitive in Class 2. Let’s hope he does his best.
“Those small races are the most tactical races to ride in. Sometimes you think there’s a lot of speed on paper and you get out of the gates and they walk. It’s going to be a tricky race but it looks like there is a lot of pace, so we’ll just let our fella sit in the first half and give his best in the final 400m.”
Teetan also rides Sing Dragon for Mark Newnham in the Class 3 Chung On Handicap (1200m), bidding for a fourth win in a row on the gelding.
“He’s done so well. Since I’ve got on him, he’s won those three times and I think he’s getting better all the time. Last time he just held on, but he had a big weight (58.5kg) to carry and he’s been progressing.
“It’s going to be interesting again and I don’t think the draw (gate No 12) is going to be very helpful to him, but it depends how the track will run. Sometimes the outside gate can work in your favour and sometimes you can save some energy instead of rushing to get a position from an inside gate.
“I’ll just ride the horse that I think he is. He fights on and when the horse came to him last time, he actually kept fighting. He’s got a good spirit. He’s done well already and if he can pull one off again it will be really good.” - Hong Kong Jockey Club
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Just a small field of five runners here and they all can win. Adefill should be finishing fast with a fast early speed if it eventuates. He will rely on tempo but won’t be far off and should be strongest late. Yellowfin last start winner who retains good form and can run well again from an on-pace position. Telecom Fighters should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way. All For St Paul’s has early speed and can always surprise with the right run. Bundle Of Charm backing up quickly from last week, can run well as the likely outsider in the race.
Race 2: Beau Gosse change of trainer recently and can improve back in trip. His first run on the all-weather three starts ago was good, indicating he can run well here from a better draw. Super Joy last start winner who remains in the same grade and maps to run well again. Smart Folks recent barrier trial was impressive, suggesting a good run can be expected. Cool Blue should be highly suited by the drop back in distance on his second try in Class 5 here. Speedy Fortune dropping in class and will find this much easier than last start.
Race 3: Must Go showed no interest last start, forget the run. Trialled well since and should be able to map closer to the speed here. Omakase having second start and can improve with experience. He can begin fast and give a big sight here and may just be able to hold on. Triumphant Warrior should be highly suited by the drop back in distance and barrier 3 should ensure the right run. Diamond Flare should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way. Regent Glory was an easy last start winner and must be respected. But the wide draw is the concern.
Race 4: Go Hero solid effort last start and must be rated chance here with Purton in the saddle from barrier 3. A typical, wide-open Class 5 race, he appears to get good favours and should go close to winning. Perfect Peach every chance last start but still ran a good race and he gets another chance here. Viva A La had huge betting support last run and just failed to win – he goes in again. Asian One go on solid previous efforts where form looked okay.
Race 5: Prime Mortar scored a big win last start, which was his first run for the Tony Cruz stable, and it will pay to keep following. He can go on with it and should relish the all-weather based on his past trial performances on the surface. Euro Rocks second start in this grade after dropping in class and could improve. Self Improvement had huge betting support last run but failed to fire – consider again. Fun N Glory change of trainer recently and can improve. Crazy Treasure caught the eye last start when running home well and is a knockout chance.
Race 6: Another wide-open race here. Viva Hunter recent runs have been encouraging and can run well again after he had no luck in the home straight last start. Lucky Banner solid effort last start and must be rated chance here. Kimberley has ability and is always dangerous in this grade – start to follow him again. Starship Eighty had genuine excuses last start when badly held up at a crucial stage in the race and consider again. Brave Witness good performance when returning to form last start and he can be followed.
Race 7: Call Me Dandy bled last start and has been rested. Trialled well for his return and has drawn nicely low in a race where there does appear to be plenty of speed on which will enhance his chances. Capital Delight recent runs have been encouraging and can run well. He is another who will enjoy an expected fast tempo. Sing Dragon winner of last three starts and looks a top chance again, but the wide draw is the concern this time around. Victory Moments consistent performer of late and worth considering. Beauty Infinity has shown ability and gets his chance to win here.
Race 8: Woodfire Bro looks a solid good chance based on last start when he checked in runner-up after racing wide throughout. One of several winning chances in a wide-open race. Berlin Tango has been placed last two starts and deserves a win soon. Apache Pass has the booking of a top jockey in the saddle as Bowman takes the ride and he seems to be coming back into form. Massive Action good effort last start leading all the way to win and will vie to do the same again. Aestheticism last start winner who rises in class, could sneak a place.