Fresh from Ka Ying Rising’s stunning triumph in the G1 Centenary Sprint Cup over 1200m last Sunday, David Hayes hopes Sight Happy can propel Zac Purton closer towards Hong Kong history at Happy Valley on Wednesday.
Purton, 42, needs only two more wins to overtake Douglas Whyte’s tally of 1,813 Hong Kong victories and takes seven rides at Happy Valley – John Size-trained Spirit Of Peace and Beauty Alliance, Firefoot for Chris So, Aestheticism for Pierre Ng, David Eustace’s Riding Together, View Of The World for Dennis Yip and Sight Happy for Hayes.
Hayes, who has provided 10 of Purton’s 72 winners this season, including five with record-breaking sprint star Ka Ying Rising, is optimistic Sight Happy can snare his second victory this campaign when he contests the Class 4 Kowloon Park Handicap (1200m) from barrier No 2.
“Zac can hopefully settle midfield and, with a bit of luck, he can put his run up,” Hayes said. “He’s had some bad barriers but the last couple of runs, he’s been able to show what he’s capable of. He’s a healthy little horse and very sound, so hopefully he’ll keep putting the runs up.”
Purton believes another solid book of rides has the potential to deliver the record.
“We’ll see how we go, Happy Valley is always a little bit tricky. You need to get the right run and a few things go your way, but I’ve only got two (wins) to go now, so nearly there,” the seven-time Hong Kong champion said.
“View Of The World won nicely last time, but he drew the right gate (No 1), had a soft run behind the leaders and skipped home against an average field, so he had all the favours but I like the way he did it and he gets around the Valley nicely, so I’m hoping he can go on with it.”
With a Sha Tin double last Sunday leaving Purton with 1,812 wins, the Australian is spearing towards an eighth Hong Kong championship with 72 wins for the season – 39 clear of Hugh Bowman (33) – after 39 of 88 scheduled meetings.
Whyte’s 1,813 Hong Kong winners came from 12,269 mounts with 1,241 at Sha Tin and 572 at Happy Valley with an overall winning strike rate of 14.78%. Purton’s 1,812 winners have come from 10,351 rides with 1,125 at Sha Tin and 687 at Happy Valley with an overall winning strike rate of 17.5%. – Hong Kong Jockey Club
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Speedy Fortune has been knocking on the door since dropping to Class 5 and looks a strong chance with a decent draw. Plentiful caught the eye with a fast-finishing sixth last time out and will make his presence felt if the pace suits. Wind Speeder was well beaten last start, but looks a chance based on his previous consistent form. Gorgeous Vitality has shed a lot of ratings and can upset some more fancied rivals on his best form. Dan Attack should produce an improved effort returning to Class 5, especially with Bowman aboard.
Race 2: Golden Empire boast a great record in Class 4 and must be rated a strong chance with the drop in class. Draco let down well in a slowly run race last start and should be highly competitive in this shallow field. Lean Master appears well placed with a seven-pound claimer, but the wide draw is a concern. Solar Up will find this easier than his previous outings, and improvement is expected. Bulb Emperor attacked the line strongly last time out, and with a better draw, he could secure a Top 3 finish.
Race 3: Spirit Of Peace was badly held up at a crucial stage last start and deserves another chance with Purton staying aboard. Golden Luck will relish the drop to Class 4, where he is a three-time winner, following a solid third in Class 3. Crystal Powerful his recent encouraging efforts suggest he can bounce back anytime in this class. Our Lucky Glory the drop in both class and distance works in his favour, making him a strong knockout chance. Hayday a fast beginner, he may sneak into the placings if allowed a soft lead.
Race 4: Beauty Alliance found the line well from a wide draw last start. From a better draw, he should map closer to the speed and emerge as a strong winning chance. Amazing Award comes off a slashing second over this track and distance and is edging closer to a win. Thesis appears suited by the drop in distance and looks a value choice. Amazing Run has recorded fast final 400m sectional times recently, and will make a late surge if the pace suits. Handsome Bomb weakened late in a fast run race last time out after showing tactical speed. With a better-judged ride, he could surprise at odds.
Race 5: Sight Happy ran on strongly to finish a close third last start, and reuniting with Purton, especially from a favourable draw, piques plenty of interest. Motoman caused an upset at big odds last start. However, the sectional data suggests it may not be a fluke. King Profit will find this field more manageable than his last start at Sha Tin and could improve into the money. Perfect General a beaten favourite last start, he has trialled quietly ahead of his return. Consider if his odds offer value. Mr Good Vibes suited by the drop in distance and looks a lightweight chance.
Race 6: Classic Century weakened late in a fast run race last start and could make amends with a better-timed ride from a decent draw. Firefoot was an easy last-start winner and remains a strong chance despite the awkward draw. Good Luck Win his recent runs have been encouraging and he appears to get all the favours to produce another commendable performance. Smart City turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly into third. Include among the better chances. Snowalot showed signs of regaining form with a close second last start. Consider if his odds still present value.
Race 7: Aestheticism caught the eye running home powerfully last start. From a better draw, he emerges as a strong contender in this wide-open field. Rocket Spade has been in consistent form this season and should be included in your exotic bets. Sharpen Bright undoubtedly in career-best form, he appears well weighted to run another bold race here. Amazing Victory a proven performer in Class 3, he should run well if he can handle the rise to 1800m. Sure Joyful could sneak into the placings with a light weight and is not out of it.
Race 8: Beauty Destiny flashed home late to finish a close second on his Class 3 debut last time out. With a genuine tempo, he can prove hard to hold out. Magnificent Nine the lightweight and inside draw provide a solid platform for him to run a big race here. Mojave Desert his recent runs on the dirt surface have been encouraging. However, the only concern is the switch back to the turf track. Sugar Sugar a proven performer at this level, he could surprise at odds with a 5-pound claimer aboard. Young Arrow stormed home for a slashing third last start and should not be overlooked despite the awkward draw.
Race 9: Eternal Fortune scored a tenacious win in this class last time out and looks primed to secure back-to-back victories in a below-par Class 3 field. View Of The World was an easy last-start winner in Class 4, though favoured by a slow tempo. He remains a strong chance despite rising to Class 3. Prawns Eleven has the ability but is inconsistent. He could cause an upset on his best form. A Americ Te Specso with a conservative racing style, he needs a fast early speed to produce a big finish. Lucky Archangel has a better chance returning to Happy Valley and could place at odds.