Purton braces for ultimate challenge in G1 Stewards’ Cup

Revered as a master tactician, Zac Purton believes the HK$12 million G1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m) will be decided by the smallest factors as Hong Kong’s three top-rated horses – Golden Sixty, Romantic Warrior and California Spangle – square off in a heavyweight clash at Sha Tin on Sunday.

Assessing the potential pitfalls of a race which features three of the world’s premier gallopers against three multiple G1 victors – Waikuku, Russian Emperor and Panfield – as well as the mercurial Beauty Joy, Purton predicts the tiniest element will ultimately decide the outcome.

“A small, little thing that happens at some stage of the race might be the defining moment for the result, so we all have to be on our game,” Purton, a five-time Hong Kong champion jockey, said. “More importantly, all the horses look like they’re on their game and they’re fit. It’s still early on in their preparation, so none of them are going to be over the top. We just hope it’s going to be a good race.”

Chasing his fourth Stewards’ Cup victory after previous triumphs on Fellowship (2010), Beauty Generation (2019) and Waikuku (2022), Purton continues his partnership with Tony Cruz-trained California Spangle, winner of nine of his 14 starts.

Having eclipsed Golden Sixty in last month’s G1 Hong Kong Mile (1600m), and bracing for a rematch with Romantic Warrior, Purton expects the Sunday’s race to live up to expectations.

“Obviously, there’s been a lot of talk around it (the race) – it’s a showdown. Let’s just hope that each of the horses gets their chance and they should in this small field as well,” said the Australian, who leads this season’s jockey championship by 42 wins.

“And let’s hope it goes down to the last 50 metres because we want it to be exciting and all three of them are in good form, so we look forward to it.

“Obviously of the horses that are left racing in the world at the moment, we have three horses actively racing inside the top 10 – it’s very unique to have them going to head-to-head in a race here in Hong Kong and I think that in itself explains the magnitude of the task we have ahead of ourselves.

“We want to ride these good horses in these big races and especially when we’re faced with some challenges and I have two strong challenges to come at me. I don’t know who is going to come out on top.”

Expected to again lead from barrier three, California Spangle will attempt to square the ledger with both Romantic Warrior and Golden Sixty. The five-year-old boasts one win and two losses against both of his rivals but continues to mature, according to Purton.

“Any time I get to jump on his back, it’s always enjoyable,” Purton said. “In more recent times this season, I’ve felt him relax a little bit better. The races aren’t buzzing him up as much as they were previously and he’s just starting to mature a little bit.

“He’s obviously led the majority of his career, so it’s a bit late to be changing anything now but I think he would be adaptable. He’s a very intelligent horse, but it’s probably not the race to be trying something new.”

Romantic Warrior, to be ridden by Karis Teetan, is chasing Hong Kong’s Triple Crown – the G1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m), G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) on 26 February and the G1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2400m) on 28 May.

Golden Sixty, paired with regular rider Vincent Ho, is bidding for a seventh G1 scalp – and 23rd victory from 27 starts when he starts from barrier two at the weekend.

Waikuku, now eight, will attempt to win the Stewards’ Cup for a third time, having also prevailed in 2020 for John Size. He will be ridden by Ryan Moore in his quest for a fourth G1. - HKJC

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Jubilation always finishes close up and must be rated a chance at this level with Purton in the saddle. Medic Elite well-placed and looks a chance in race like this on the quick back up. Run Run Good good performance when storming home for third place last start and expect a similar run. El Valiente will be suited by the rise in distance and can run well at an each-way quote. Colourful Baron last run suggested a win was very near but barrier 12 looks awkward.

Race 2: Skyey Supreme should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way under the 10lb claim. Nice Birdie good performance when storming home for a nice second last start. Peak To Peak had genuine excuses last start when caught wide but comes into a low draw here. The Multiplier well-placed and looks a chance in race like this. Sun Of Makfi could sneak a place in a race like this with Bowman riding from barrier 2.

Race 3: Beauty Tycoon promising four-year-old rising in class and meets better quality horses but can measure up as he vies for a hat-trick of wins. Rock Ya Heart looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. He gets every chance from barrier No 1 under Purton. Ima Single Man well supported last start and won accordingly, can run well again. Power Koepp caught the eye last start when running home well and the small field suits. Trillion Win can upset some more fancied rivals on best form.

Race 4: Further Forward newcomer who has trialled well for debut on several occasions, with Purton doing all the work on him. He looks primed and ready to win straight up. Lost Child well prepared for debut and watch the betting. Denfield second start and will be fitter, expect improvement. Beat Hollow recent barrier trial was good, suggesting an improved run can be expected. Easy Snip blinkers have been added and can surprise now he has slid down the ratings.

Race 5: Handsome Twelve looks a chance if you go on previous consistent form and he should be bouncing back here back down in class. Royal Bomb video replay showed last run was very good and an improved run can be expected. Winning Dragon has early speed and can always surprise with the right run. Satirical Glory best run to date was last start, when third place, and appears to be improving. Nordic Star will be suited by the switch back to AWT track based on his overseas form.

Race 6: Juneau Flash simply had no luck last start and overlook the run. Innoconstruction placed last start and looks a chance to run well again with Purton taking over the reins. Ace Talent showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight and is on the improve. Cheval Valiant backing up quickly from last week, can run well and should be giving a sight. Summit Cheers down in class here and can surprise, start to follow.

Race 7: Romantic Warrior highly promising five-year-old who shows plenty of class and ability and looks the one to beat despite the drop back in distance. Golden Sixty can easily bounce back here with a well-timed ride by Vincent Ho. He’ll need to stay more in touch early to ensure he’s not leaving his run until it’s too late. California Spangle can lead in this race and be hard to run down for Purton. Beauty Joy a bit erratic and hard to follow but has ability and can surprise. Waikuku winner of this race last year and looks a chance again on best form.

Race 8: Gluck Racer has ability and is always dangerous in this grade. Wide Blue Yonder last run was better than it reads and do not dismiss. He can improve. Beauty Mission had genuine excuses last start and consider again. He was favourite last start but should be a better each-way quote this week. Good News should be highly suited by the drop back in distance after failing at the mile last start. Karma newcomer who has trialled well for debut on a few occasions and looks ready to run a race first-up. Barrier No 1 affords him all hope.

Race 9: Packing Treadmill highly promising four-year-old who shows nice ability and looks the one to beat, but this is a wide-open Classic Mile with a ton of genuine winning chances. Sweet Encounter top class performer who is rated a big winning chance from the John Size yard. Ryan Moore rides from barrier 2, from where a perfect run looks likely. Keefy underrated type who can surprise in this race. On a rating of 100 at level weights against his peers, he’s right in this. Beautyverse has shown ability and gets his chance to win here with McDonald in the saddle. Viva Chaleur recent runs have been encouraging and can run well with Bowman seemingly picking him over others.

Race 10: Amazing Victory nice horse who is a model of consistency and looks the one to beat with Purton remaining in the saddle from barrier 3. He should get the run of the race from there. Perfect Team has trialled well for debut and should be rated a chance and a big run won’t surprise. Stunning Impact looks a chance if you go on previous consistent form as didn’t get much luck last time. Beauty Inspire well prepared for debut and is worth considering. Super Dynamite should be highly suited by the drop back in distance, he should run a race at odds for Bowman.