Purton could be on the right element

Luke Middlebrook

The big news out of Sunday’s Sha Tin meeting was Zac Purton’s sensational seven-timer, and on Wedneday at Happy Valley, there’s no reason why he can’t continue to notch up the winners as he has a solid book of rides.

Of those is trainer Frankie Lor’s four-year-old Five Elements, who will get his chance to shed his local maiden tag in Race 3, Class 3 1200m Handicap.

Five Elements arrived in Hong Kong from New Zealand with a bit of reputation after winning two from three but so far, he has been unable to get on the board in nine local starts.

The gelding hasn’t disgraced himself, however, having checked home into the placings on four occasions, one of which was last start when first-up at this track and distance – his first try around the city circuit.

He acquitted himself well that night when 1.50 lengths into third and was the best of the on-pace runners. Today Five Elements gets Purton in the saddle and barrier No 1, so with conditions well and truly in his favour, the time is now for him to break through.

Another who is looking to score their first Hong Kong win is trainer Danny Shum’s four-year-old Comet Splendido in Race 7, a Class 3 1650m Handicap.

Comet Splendido is at his fifth time of asking in Hong Kong and has finished in the placings in his last three starts. As the only horse who is third-up in this race, while also dropping back to 1650m from 1800m, Comet Splendido should have a fitness edge.

He will also benefit from having Purton in the saddle for the first time but does have barrier No 10 of 10 to navigate. However, the pace does look to play out truly.

Meanwhile, the Caspar Fownes-trained four-year-old Jumbo Fortune can break through in Race 4, the Class 2 1650m Handicap.

Jumbo Fortune remains a maiden after eight local starts (five with Fownes after his first three were with Tony Cruz) but he has been itching to get on the board in recent starts.

First-up for this preparation two starts ago over 1400m at Sha Tin, Jumbo Fortune raced back in the field in a slowly run race but was the best closer against the race shape, checking home 1.50 lengths into fourth.

Second-up at this track and distance 21 days ago, in a race much the same as this week’s with just eight runners engaged, Jumbo Fortune struck another farcical run race, with the leader and eventual winner Telecom Fighters returning some of the slowest lead sectionals seem recently over 1650m at the city circuit. Jumbo Fortune was excellent closing off hard and fast into fourth, beaten 0.50 lengths, and only needs a slightly different race shape this week to see him get his nose in front when it matters.

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Little Player changed trainer and trialled well recently. From barrier 1, he should provide trainer Jamie Richards a solid run as he vies for his first Hong Kong win. Nextmodel drops in class here and finds a suitable race. Purton rides from barrier 4 and they’ll be in the leading division. Steel Win change of trainer recently and watch betting, he looked well enough in his trial and should improve. Strive For Glory go on the win two starts ago and give a chance here. Glorified Fire looks a solid good chance based on last start.

Race 2: Day Day Rich had genuine excuses last start and can improve in this race with Purton on from barrier 1. He can nail his first victory. Carry The Diamond always worth considering in a race like this and include in your chances. Split Of A Second old-timer who is always capable of surprising. He looks to get the suck run just off the speed from a low gate. Diamond Soars backing up quickly from last week, can run well. Goodmanship has ability and is always dangerous in this grade. He can bounce back from barrier 4.

Race 3: Five Elements last run suggested a win was very near when third at his first try at this track and distance. He has Purton on from barrier 1 and conditions suit his chances. Valiant Elegance racing in career best-form and he may not have reached the ceiling just yet. Solar Winds racing well with excellent sectional time rankings. Street Scream last start winner who remains in the same grade, he can run well again. Trader has been placed last two starts and deserves a win soon. Racing well after a stable change.

Race 4: Jumbo Fortune huge run last start against a slowly-run tempo when fourth as the favourite. From barrier 4, he can map ide- ally and gets his chance to score. Savaquin generally gets back in the running but dashes strongly home. A key jockey booking with Purton in the saddle for his first-up run. Fa Fa narrowly beaten last start and goes close here with fitness now on his side. Everyone’s Delight goes well first-up from a break and should be respected.

Race 5: Smiling Face can improve second-up from a break after appearing to need the run first-up. Barrier 1 should see him map to get every chance. Handsome Veggie showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight, fading late into fourth. He can improve on that effort. Jolly Honour second start in this grade after dropping in class and could improve. London Luckystar fair run last start and place chance. Lotus Favorites eased early before going on to make late ground last start.

Race 6: Jumbo Legend video replay showed last run was very good when an eye-catching fourth but with excuses in running. He has shown enough ability to win a race of this nature at start number 5. Exuberant last run suggested a win was very near when second here. He won’t have many excuses from barrier 4. Wood On Fire had genuine excuses last start when a wide passage early but barrier 10 again is awkward. Our Class Act had no luck last start but keep following. M M Nebula best run to date was last start and appears to be improving.

Race 7: Comet Splendido looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. He gets Purton in the saddle which can prove all the difference to his winning chances. Third-up now, no excuses. My Ecstatic can improve second-up from a break and can give a goof sight here. Incanto Prepared is better than recent form indicates and can improve from a low gate. Nothing New caught wide last start and covered extra ground before weakening. He is open to second-up improvement. Majestic Victory good performance when returning to form last start.

Race 8: Tailor Made last start second placing was full of merit; nice effort and he gets his chance to go one place better here from a low draw. Circuit Elite rising in class and meets better quality horses but can measure up now that the penny seems to have dropped. Kungfumaster Panda placed last start and looks a chance to run well again with Purton taking the ride. Kowloon Great turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly into third. He is on the improve. Owners’ Star last start winner who rises in class but is racing well after a stable change.

Race 9: Harmony N Home always finishes close up and must be rated a chance at this level. Purton knows him well, which should ensure all favours from barrier 3. Sugar Sugar a last start winner who trialled well since and he should be winning his way into Class 3 here. Barrier 9 could be the problem first-up here. Fighting Star bled last start and has been rested., trialled well for his return Durham Star was an easy last start winner and must be respected but barrier 12 will be tricky. Loris is never far away in the finish and maps to get a good run to be in with a chance if good enough.