Purton retains faith in Ka Ying Rising

Zac Purton is confident Ka Ying Rising’s sheer talent and versatility will enable the crack sprinter to overcome another challenging barrier in the HK$13 million G1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday as history beckons for the seven-time Hong Kong champion jockey.

Needing only three more wins to equal Douglas Whyte’s record of 1,813, Purton has seven rides across the 11-race card, headed by Ka Ying Rising and Beauty Eternal in the HK$13 million G1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m).

Purton, 42, will bid to land the Centenary Sprint Cup for the third time after victories on Aerovelocity (2016) and Lucky Sweynesse (2023) as Ka Ying Rising chases a ninth consecutive win from the outside barrier in the eight-horse field.

The 128-rater has drawn barriers Nos 9, 10 and 11 at his past three outings, winning on each occasion, but Purton sounded a note of caution ahead of Sunday’s contest.

“Obviously he (Ka Ying Rising) has got good gate speed, so that’s an asset. There’s a little bit of speed inside him. Being drawn outside in a small field is always tricky because the runners to the inside generally try to hold a more prominent position than they might normally in a bigger field,” Purton said.

“So, I would expect a few horses to do that and it might not be easy to get across, so I’ll need a little bit of luck.

“He’s got a really good brain, so that certainly helps. I just hope there’s a spot for me to get in behind Victor The Winner (barrier one) or Magic Control (barrier four) and I can get the one off. We’ll see how we go early.”

Purton believes Ka Ying Rising’s effort to contest the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) last month was a feat in itself – much less comfortably defeating a world-class field.

“I think people forget that he’s only a young four-year-old and that’s he’s come a long way in only a short period of time,” Purton said.

“It was not only a year to the day that he had his first start, and first win, to then lining up in an international sprint, so he did a really good job just to get there – he did an even better job to win, drawing out (barrier 11) that day as well.

“He’s the only horse in history to come from barrier No 11 to win the Hong Kong Sprint, so he had that against him. He was a little bit slow to step and he was taken on by Victor The Winner, sitting outside him, eye-balling him in front so he never got a chance to relax and he still gave a good kick and won.

“There was a lot of merit to the win and I think he will continue to get better as well.”

Ka Ying Rising will be challenged this weekend by Victor The Winner, Helios Express, Howdeepisyourlove, Invincible Sage, Lucky With You, Beauty Waves and Magic Control.

The Centenary Sprint Cup marks the start of the three-race Hong Kong Speed Series, which carries a HK$5 million bonus for any horse which wins all three races. The HK$13 million G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) on 23 February and the HK$22 million G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) on 27 April complete the series.

Purton has also drawn barrier No 8 in the Stewards’ Cup on Beauty Eternal, who is bidding to return to winning form against Voyage Bubble, California Spangle, Beauty Joy, Galaxy Patch, Chancheng Glory, Red Lion and Patch Of Theta.

“He (Beauty Eternal) beat Golden Sixty last season and he’s come back this season and been really disappointing. He’s been his own worst enemy, pulling himself into the ground and he wouldn’t relax at all,” the Australian said.

“Last time, he had the ear plugs and the Norton bit on and he relaxed much better and gave himself a chance but didn’t perform. He continues to trial well, but he’s just not producing it on race day.

“He won’t be able to lead this race because California Spangle is in barrier No 2 two, so I’ll probably have to sit outside him. Voyage Bubble looks like he’s going to be in the right spot and he’s going to have the race at his mercy.

“He (Voyage Bubble) is not over the line because there are some handy horses in it and Galaxy Patch is obviously one of those. Galaxy Patch could jump out of the ground on his day, but Voyage Bubble is going to be in the right spot.”

The Stewards’ Cup is the first leg of the Triple Crown series with a HK$10 million bonus on offer to any horse who can also win the HK$13 million G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) on 23 February and HK$13 million G1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2400m) on 25 May. - Hong Kong Jockey Club

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Blazing Wind checked into a strong third last start, and with J-Mac staying aboard, he is primed to break through from a favourable draw. Talents Supremo caught the eye last start when running home well. He looks a light weight choice in a field lacking depth. Great Spirit looked unlucky when held up at a crucial stage last start. With a smoother run, he could make amends. Divine Moonlight has trialled well for his debut and is worth monitoring the betting market. I Am The Boss not been beaten far in recent starts and could sneak into the placings at value.

Race 2: Sky Joy broke through in style at his second career start. The form has since been franked, and he is poised for back-to-back wins. With A Smile is well prepared with several trials and must be respected with Purton aboard. Bienvenue let down well to finish a solid second last start and should run well again if the pace suits. Beauty Missile has dropped in the ratings and appears well placed in Class 4 now, especially with a low draw. Loving Vibes has been improving with each run and finished a solid third behind the unbeaten Hong Lok Golf last start.

Race 3: Flying Luck has been in great form and must be rated a leading chance in this open field. Ballistic Win is always close in Class 4 and can bounce back to the winner’s list anytime. Matsu Victor his recent runs have been encouraging, and with J-Mac taking the reins, he should play a key role despite the awkward draw. Sunday’s Serenade ran on well in a slowly run race last time out and could make amends with a genuine pace. Mister Dapper resuming from a break, he has trialled well and can surprise at value.

Race 4: Strathpeffer settled on pace and stuck on well for a solid second in a fast run race last start. He should map well from a low draw and prove hard to run down. Brilliant Express a beaten odds-on favourite last start, he looks capable of making amends given his previous strong form. Forerunner found the line well late first-up, and further improvement is expected as he strips fitter second-up. Fun Together finished a close second at his first attempt dropping back to Class 4. Commands respect. Leslie down in class here and can surprise at odds if the race unfolds in his favour.

Race 5: Jolly Ruler will relish the drop in class, and with a more favourable jockey booking, he is primed to return to the winner’s list. Mr Energia has gone close in his last few starts and can make amends if they overcook it in front. Noble Fans checked into a solid third on debut and appears well placed to break through in a race of this nature. Jumbo Fortune was well beaten last start, but his previous form was consistent. Consider if his odds offer value. Galvanic showed signs of regaining form last start and should not be overlooked.

Race 6: Ka Ying Rising undoubtedly the best sprinter in Hong Kong now, he should prove too strong for his rivals under level weight conditions. Howdeepisyourlove showed great tenacity and won a G3 feature last start. He looks the second best here with James McDonald aboard. Helios Express comes off a close second behind Ka Ying Rising in the G1 Hong Kong sprint, and will make his presence felt with a genuine pace. Magic Control a dangerous frontrunner, he could be hard to run down if given a soft lead, especially with fly-in champion jockey Craig Williams aboard. Beauty Waves despite being poorly weighted, a place finish is not out of his reach.

Race 7: Light Years Charm finished strongly in both local starts and looks to get all the favours to break through in this race. Gracious Express has not been beaten far in recent starts and the drop in distance should play to his strengths. Chain Of Gold with a conservative racing style, he needs a genuine pace to produce a strong finish. Prestige Always had genuine excuses last start (raced wide) and can make amends with better luck in running. Armour War Eagle having held form with a recent trial, he is ideally weighted to deliver a commendable performance.

Race 8: Voyage Bubble a dual G1 winner, he enters this race off a strong win in the G1 Hong Kong Mile and is primed for back-to-back victories at the highest level. Galaxy Patch finished a luckless seventh in the Hong Kong Mile last start when held up at a crucial stage. He should be highly competitive with a smoother run. Patch Of Theta a promising 4yo in great form, he should run well with a low draw, despite facing a tough field. Beauty Eternal capable but unpredictable, he can cause an upset with his best form. California Spangle is better than his recent form suggests and could place at value.

Race 9: Bundle Award finished a solid third despite being held up near the 400m last start. From a good draw, he should map well and go close to winning with J-Mac aboard. Lost Child resuming from a break, he is capable of causing an upset and is worth considering if his odds offer value. Romantic Son has been knocking on the door for his first local win and must be included among the better chances. Packing Power conceded his first defeat last start, and with the rise in distance, he is aiming to atone. Sky Trust is suited by dropping back to 1400m, where he boasts a reliable record.

Race 10: Mickley as a serious contender for the 4YO series this season, he is primed to secure his second local win from a good draw, following a couple of luckless runs. Bravehearts has been in career-best form and another bold performance is imminent. Stunning Peach overlook the last start effort as there were genuine excuses. He should play a key role with Purton remaining aboard. Winning Dragon finished a close second last start and looks a strong chance with a good draw. Romantic Thor showed improvement stepping up to this distance last start and is worth following.

Race 11: Meowth finished a close second in Class 3 after an impressive debut win. With more upside to come, he is ideally weighted to go one better. Lady’s Choice made all last start and could be hard to run down if given a soft lead again. Majestic Express a consistent galloper, he will make a late surge if the pace plays to his strengths. Holmes A Court is suited by the rise in distance and could show improvement from a good draw second-up. Victory Sky his last run was better than it appears and he could surprise at value.