Purton to be a wonder at Happy Valley

Luke Middlebrook

Five-year-old gelding Wonder Kit is poised to secure a second-up win when he returns to Happy Valley today in Race 8, the Class 3 Handicap over 1200m.

Wonder Kit arrived unbeaten from two starts in Australia, and although he wasn't able to secure a victory early in Hong Kong, he consistently displayed honest performances right from the start and was rarely beaten by a large margin.

Things finally fell into place on his ninth and final run last season with the addition of cheekpieces and the advantage of starting from barrier 1. On that occasion, Wonder Kit secured an impressive 2.50-length victory at this same track and distance.

In his first race this season three weeks ago Wonder Kit drew wide in barrier No 10 and was positioned worse than midfield, but he closed off satisfactorily to pick up fourth place, beaten 2.25 lengths. Coming into barrier No 1 now is key to the gelding’s chances, and with Zac Purton up, many boxes are ticked.

It could be a big night for Purton, who rides plenty of strong winning chances, with impressive last-start winner Romantic Laos one of those as he chases back-to-back wins in Race 7, the Class 3 Handicap over 1650m.

Romantic Laos displayed ability last season by winning two out of eight races when trained by Jamie Richards. However, a stable change in the off-season to Cody Mo seems to have worked wonders, evident in a facile first-up victory at this track and distance two weeks ago.

Despite drawing wide in barrier No 11, a fast tempo and a commanding ride by Purton enabled the Pings gelding to achieve an easy 1.25-length victory. With barrier No 2 this time, Purton should have an easier task, and Romantic Laos appears hard to beat. 

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Plenty of chances in the first. Circuit Splendor good performance when storming home for third place last start. He should map well from the low draw and looks hard to hold out. Modest Gentleman change of trainer recently and can improve on the class drop. Happily Friends last run suggested a win was very near when a narrow defeat into second. Every chance from the paint. Miracles narrowly beaten last start and goes close here. Brilliant Pioneer change of trainer recently and watch bet- ting. He could improve under Bowman.

Race 2: Savvy Delight backing up quickly from a good last start effort and can run well again. He has drawn better than some of his key rivals, which could prove the difference. Gorgeous Vitality generally gets back in the running but dashes strongly home. Barrier 10 is awkward, but on form, he can win. Happy United go on the win two starts ago and give a chance here. Bowman will need to be at his best from barrier 12. Amazing Ace down in class here and can surprise from gate 1 under Chung’s claim. A Americ Te Specso can improve second-up from a break and on the class drop.

Race 3: Righteous Arion looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. So long as he doesn’t get too far back in the run, he will be hard to hold out late. Happy Trio had genuine excuses last start when caught wide. Coming into gate 2 should make a world of difference. Happy Soul has finished close up recently and can run well second-up from gate 3. Joy Of Spring turned in a very nice debut run and looks to have good ability. Sight Hero can upset some more fancied rivals on best form. But he is a roarer who is hard to catch.

Race 4: Yee Cheong Warrior last start placing was full of merit, nice effort once he attacked the line to pick up second place in a slowly run race. Bowman will get every chance to atone from gate 2. Right Honourable every chance last start as a beaten favourite but still ran a good race. He should improve second-up. Double Show remains a maiden galloper but clearly gets a chance to win here from barrier 1. Faithful Trinity consistent form lately and should be included. Medic Elite backing up quickly from last week, can run well with luck from out wide.

Race 5: Round The Globe has been knocking on the door and win is near. Badel should get one of the runs of the race from barrier 2 and his last-start second place turned out to be a decent form race. Solid Shalaa blinkers have been added and must be a big chance as he drops into Class 4 for the first time. He could be too good with the right run. Togepi had excuses last start when badly held up at a crucial stage in the race. Act Of Faith ran out of condition last start and will be fitter now. Harmony N Home recent runs have been encouraging and can run well.

Race 6: M Unicorn was an easy last start winner by three lengths, and he should be winning again. He won from barrier 10 last start, so he faces similar conditions again here from the same gate. Snowalot never far away from the winner and could sneak a place. Purton should get the gun run from barrier 2. Beauty Mission good performance when storming home for third place last start. Coming into gate 3 can prove fruitful. Win Win Fighter good performance when storming home for a nice second last start. Master Tornado go on solid previous efforts where form looked okay.

Race 7: Romantic Laos more than capable of winning again in this race after an impressive first-up win for freshman trainer, Cody Mo. From barrier 2, he looks the likely winner. Outgate improving type and getting close to a win. He will be giving a good sight from barrier 1. Viva Hunter showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight but faded late due to a fast early tempo. Silver Sonic consistent performer of late and worth considering. Barrier 11 is tricky, but he should be finishing strongly off a fast tempo. Capital Legend has finished close up recently and can run well on the quick back up.

Race 8: Wonder Kit can improve second-up from a break after appearing to be in need of the run first-up when a pass mark into fourth. Coming into barrier 1 under Purton is the winning formula. Dragon’s Luck narrowly beaten last start and goes close here should he map well from out wide. Happy Golf caught the eye last start when running home well. He will relish a bit of speed on and look for him closing off hard and fast late. Capital Delight last start winner who retains good form and can run well again. Beauty Glory never far away from the winner and could sneak a place. He appears to map a good chance.

Race 9: Hoss ran out of condition last start and will be fitter now. Bowman takes the ride, so respect here in an open race. Call Me Dandy every chance last start but still ran a good race. He will be hard to beat if Purton finds luck starting from barrier 11. Copartner Ambition was an easy last start winner in Class 4 and must be respected despite returning to Class 3. Lucky Gor rising in class and meets better quality horses but can measure up. Happy Mission can improve second-up from a break. Drawn well low and trialled okay in between runs, so he could run a race for Newnham.