Purton closes in on season record

Luke Middlebrook

On Sunday at Sha Tin Zac Purton claimed his sixth Hong Kong jockeys' title with seven meetings still remaining on the calendar for this season.

This remarkable feat may not be breaking news, but Purton’s five-timer on the day means second-ranked jockey Vincent Ho is unable to catch up to Purton.

With his sixth title secured, Purton now joins Hong Kong legend Tony Cruz as one of only a few jockeys to have won at least six championships. The only jockeys to have won more titles are the South African pair Douglas Whyte (13) and Basil Marcus (seven), as well as Australia’s Gary Moore (seven).

The focus now shifts to whether or not Purton can break Joao Moreira's single season record of 170 wins. Purton currently has 160 wins for the term and needs 11 more wins from the final seven fixtures.

One of Purton’s strong chances at Happy Valley on Wednesday is in-form three-year-old Reward Smile, who could make up for a narrow last-start defeat in the last race of the card, the Class 3 Handicap over 1200m.

Reward Smile has made a strong start in Hong Kong, winning on debut at the odds of 27-1 before proving it was no fluke second-up, finishing only 0.75 lengths behind talented three-year-old Lucky Encounter.

Switching to this track and distance for his third race, Reward Smile was expected to secure another victory from gate No 2, starting as a well-backed favourite at $2.3 in the market.

However, his run was timed too late and he couldn't catch leader Superb Capitalist, who was rated to perfection and managed to hold off Reward Smile by a neck.

A weight advantage against Superb Capitalist should give Reward Smile the edge needed to seek revenge this week, and he showed good form in a trial between races.

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Packing Hurricane winner of last three starts and looks a top chance to score four wins in a row as he is simply flying at the moment. Turin Mascot looks a solid good chance based on last start, his best run locally yet. Purton takes the ride and another big run seems likely. Above caught the eye last start running home powerfully. He’s a track and distance specialist who can win on true form. Swan Bay good performance when storming home for a nice second last start, he has improved after a stable change. Hit The Shot will be suite by the rise in distance and can run well.

Race 2: Classic Archi looks a solid good chance based on last start when a nice run into second place. From barrier 1, he’s ready to win. Owners’ Star caught the eye last start when running home well without being tested properly. Sunny Baby drops down in grade and start following again. Purton takes the ride and he can improve. Baron Zee placed last start and looks a chance to run well again with some luck from barrier 10. All Is Ready fair run last start and place chance at odds here.

Race 3: A wide-open race with many chances here. Get The Monies looks a solid good chance based on last start when he closed off nicely into second. From barrier 4, he should map one of the best and will get his chance to break through. Lean Hero last start winner who remains in the same grade and can win again with luck from barrier 12. Durham Star form is good and is getting close to another victory. Happy Angel a fast beginner who can run well if he finds an easy lead. Charmander has dropped in the ratings and should be improving into the money anytime now.

Race 4: Denfield last run suggested a win was very near when he closed off nicely into second place after racing wide. He comes into a better drawn for once, which should make a world of difference. Golden Luck well supported last start and won accordingly. He can repeat the dose with luck from barrier 11. Sight Hero nice horse who is a model of consistency and looks a chance. Red Desert has dropped a lot in the ratings and should be able to figure in the finish. Like That can bounce back a winner anytime in this class.

Race 5: Happy For All caught the eye last start when running home well after being dictated by a wide draw in a slowly run race. It was a huge run under the circumstances, and he can break through here. Cordyceps One had excuses last start when he reared at the start and forget the run. Gold Tack an on-pace runner who could finish in the placings with the right run. Helene Wisdom Star well-placed and looks a chance in race like this. Sturdy Ruby last run was better than it reads and do not dismiss.

Race 6: Young Life Forever caught the eye last start when running home well from barrier 12. He comes into barrier 1 here and should be able to get the win. Togepi good performance when storming home for third place last start. Blinkers has improved him. Summit Cheers looks a solid good chance based on last start and barrier 2 suits his on-pace profile. Stormtrouper has been knocking on the door and win won’t surprise anyone. He can bounce back anytime in this class. Flying On The Turf has climbed high in the ratings but has to be respected with Purton riding.

Race 7: Solar Partner well supported last start and won accordingly. It was a soft win and he should be able to repeat the dose with even luck. Cheong Fat go on solid previous efforts where form looked okay. He comes into a low gate, which should prove a big positive. Juneau Flash has ability and should not be underestimated in this grade. King Invincible recent runs have been encouraging. He’s ready to win but the wide draw makes it awkward. Charming Steed looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form.

Race 8: Another wide-open contest here. Star Contact always finishes close up and must be rated a chance from barrier 1. Bowman takes the ride and that looks key to his chances here. Splendid Living rising in class and meets better quality horses but can measure up after an easy last-start win in Class 4. So We Joy video replay showed last run was very good after he was unable to be properly tested. He’s better on the AWT, but Purton rides. Ivy League last run was better than it reads and do not dismiss. He is on the improve. Zone D racing well with excellent sectional time rankings.

Race 9: Reward Smile model of consistency and looks a chance to go one place better with a key jockey change with Purton taking the ride. He will need some luck from barrier 10, but the horse has the early speed to overcome it. Superb Capitalist winner of last two starts and is a big chance here again. From barrier 3, he will be proving hard to run down. Wonder Kit caught the eye last start when running home well. Coming into barrier 1 is a huge advantage. Magic Phoenix well supported last start and won accordingly. Phoenix Light has been placed last two starts and deserves a win soon.