Hoss and Purton set for further success

Luke Middlebrook

Hong Kong racing continues at Happy Valley on Thursday for a nine-race fixture under the lights.

Thriving four-year-old Hoss is on song to post a hat-trick of wins when he rises to Class 3 in the 1200m Handicap in the final race of the card.

The Jamie Richards-trained up-and-comer, who is fresh off posting his first double at Sha Tin last Sunday, has been a big improver after the application of a tongue tie.

After an eye-catching third three starts ago at big odds, the Fiorente gelding proved the run no fluke by scoring his first career win thereafter, before repeating the dose most impressively in his last start. Despite drawn wide in barrier No 11, he overcame adversity and won going away by 1.25 lengths.

Hoss is 36 days between runs but Richards has kept him ticking over with a handy trial win on the all-weather track. Despite the rise in grade, Hoss retains the services of Zac Purton and has come up with an ideal barrier in draw No 3.

From there, he should gain a beautiful run just off the speed and be too strong late as he has shown in his recent wins.

Elsewhere, trainer Caspar Fownes will be hopeful a change of luck with the barrier gods can make all the difference to Rocket Spade’s chances in Race 7, the Class 3 1650m Handicap. He has had 14 starts in Hong Kong without success.

Rocket Spade has been plagued with wide gates in five starts this season, drawn no lower than stall No 8 but was dealt barrier No 14 on two occasions and gates No 10 and No 12 in his other two starts.

Still, he has been running well, always closing off strongly and placing three times while not beaten by more than 2.25 lengths.

As he comes into barrier No 2 on this occasion, Rocket Spade won’t find many better winning chances. The time is now for the former five-time winner from 10 in Australia to break through in Hong Kong.

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Cable Speed well supported last start and won accordingly in fine style. If he shows up in the same form, he looks to take beating again. Loyal Ambition overdue for a win after going close to winning many times. He’s always a chance. Fortune Triple finished powerfully with fastest sectional time ranking last start for an improved run. Ai One second start in this grade after dropping in class and could improve. Daily Beauty caught the eye last start when running home well.

Race 2: Tronic Mighty form is good and must be rated a solid chance in an open Class 5 race. Raging Blaze racing in career-best form, winning two from his past three runs, and he will be a leading hope again. Jack Win placed last start and looks a chance to run well again. U W Brother showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight. From barrier 2, he’ll do the same here. Jazz Steed has a chance based on past form in this class of race and start to follow.

Race 3: Ready Player One placed last start and looks a chance to run well again on his second start in Class 4. He should be landing a win in the grade sooner than later. V Chevaliers is back in form and is worth considering in an open race. Drawn well low to map ideally. Gang Of Brothers last start winner who remains in the same grade. King Of The Court good effort last start leading all the way to win. Barrier 10 may force their hand here again. Packing Monkeyking ran the third fastest sectional time last start for a better run into eighth than it reads.

Race 4: One Heart One good performance when storming home for third place last start after being dictated to by a wide draw. He comes into a better draw and looks on track to land his first win. Big Two surprise tactics adopted last run when being ridden forward, expect a quieter ride. Young Victory caused a surprise last start when winning at big odds. The Hulk has finished close up recently. Barrier 1 is always a bonus at Happy Valley, which may spark improvement. Right Honourable can cause an upset on true form.

Race 5: Star Contact ultra-consistent galloper, who has three wins from 10 starts this term, and who can play a part in the finish and looks hardest to beat. Zone D ran the second fastest sectional time last start and is back in form. Barrier 1 and Purton in the saddle provide all hope even though he hasn’t won for 400 days. Meaningful Star goes well second-up from a break and he clearly needed the first-up run. Packing Succeeder rising in class and meets better quality horses but can measure up. All Beauty can upset some more fancied rivals on best form as he comes into a better draw.

Race 6: A typical Class 4 race with many chances. Kokushi Musou last start placing was full of merit, nice effort. Loriz showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight. Barrier 1 suits his chances down to a tee. Happy United ran the second fastest sectional time last start for an improved run. Third-up with Purton on, he appears ready to show more. Durham Star last run was better than it reads and do not dismiss. Super Axiom can bounce back a winner anytime in this class. If he gets a soft lead, look out.

Race 7: Rocket Spade remains a maiden galloper but clearly gets a chance to win here as he comes into a low draw for once. He has to make use of it, but he’s itching to break through for a win. The time is now! Helene Feeling turned in a very nice debut run and looks to have good ability. Silver Hammer has been steadily improving and do not dismiss. HK Dragon rising in class and meets better quality horses but can measure up after a facile last-start Class 4 win. Red Majesty has early speed and can always surprise with the right run.

Race 8: One of the more interesting races on the night as there are a number of in-form gallopers who have all drawn well. Son Pak Fu racing in career-best form, winning his last two races impressively, and looks to get the race run to suit. E Brother winner of last two starts and will give a good sight here. Divine Era form is good and must be rated a solid chance from barrier 1. All Is Good every chance last start but still ran a good race and maps a chance again. E Rainbow has been placed last two starts and deserves a win soon. He’s not out of it.

Race 9: Hoss winner of last two starts and is a big chance to post a hat-trick of wins as he rises to Class 3 on the light weight and with Purton remaining in the saddle from a low draw. Beauty Tycoon has a good record over this track and distance and he’ll appreciate barrier 2. Winning Icey caught wide last start and still ran well. He’ll get back from barrier 9 but will be running on well late. Beauty Glory showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight. Super Vince last start winner who rises in class but can measure up.