purton to continue good form at happy valley

By Luke Middlebrook, iRaceMedia: Hong Kong racing continues at Happy Valley on Wednesday 26 January for a nine-race fixture with some decent races across the night.

Shockwaves were felt across the globe on Sunday at Sha Tin as GOLDEN SIXTY'S attempt to match SILENT WITNESS' record of 17 successive wins was brought to a drastic halt in the G1 Stewards' Cup.

GOLDEN SIXTY was brought undone by trainer John Size's WAIKUKU (ridden by Zac Purton), the master horseman's seventh Stewards' Cup in 20 years. GOLDEN SIXTY broke the best from barrier one but was quickly taken back and ridden for luck as he generally does.

Despite letting down with his trademark turn-of-foot, GOLDEN SIXTY was unable to reel in WAIKUKU over concluding stages and was 0.75 lengths off as he hit the line. GOLDEN SIXTY will next be seen in either the G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) or defending his G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) crown on Sunday, 20 February at Sha Tin.

Purton’s good form can continue on into Wednesday’s meeting as he reunites with quality five-year-old MALDIVES in the Class 3 1650m Handicap (race 8).

MALDIVES has had a good season without winning so far, placing on three occasions from his five outings since resuming in late September. On two occasions when he finished runner-up, he was only beaten by 0.75 lengths in much stronger mile races at Sha Tin.

Last start, MALDIVES returned to this track and distance where he is a one-time winner and three-time third place getter from seven attempts, and was far from disgraced under Luke Ferarris checking home third.

With Purton back in the saddle while drawn well in barrier 1, MALDIVES should be mapping to be hard to hold out.

Purton will also have a good chance of taking out race 1 aboard trainer Francis Lui's four-year-old STOLTZ. He’s looking to get on the board third-up in Hong Kong after finishing runner-up in his first two starts.

A three-time winner and three-time place getter in Australia, STOLTZ has been beaten by a head and a neck margin in two runs so far. Purton taking over from Matthew Poon looks a big advantage and one which could prove the winning formula.

Selections:

R1. 3-2-5-7

R2. 6-3-1-9

R3. 2-3-8-6

R4. 5-4-9-1

R5. 2-7-1-9

R6. 10-1-8-3

R7. 1-4-3-2

R8. 1-10-2-7

R9. 1-7-8-3

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Stoltz overdue for a win after finishing runner-up in his two Hong Kong starts and can win third-up with Zac Purton taking the ride. Special M racing in great form and expect another good run – the main danger. Brilliant Fortune showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight. Has shown ability but tends to be found wanting late. Like That well-placed and looks a chance in a race like this and could be the each-way bet at odds. Heart Conquered another who can surprise at odds.

Race 2: Happy Jai Jai well supported last start and won accordingly. From his low draw and Moreira sticking with him, they appear to get all the favours again. Daily Beauty will win in this grade very soon but he needs some luck from the wide draw. All You Know go on his solid previous effort where form looked okay as he didn’t handle the All Weather Track last time. Gorgeous Inheritor nice effort last start when storming home. Pakistan Zindabad best run to date was last start and appears to be improving.

Race 3: Mission Smart looks ready to run a big race in Class 5. Team Goodluck drops down in grade and start following, he is another who looks primed for a big first try in Class 5. Goodmanship had huge betting support last run but failed to fire, give him another chance here. Sunny And Gold remains a maiden galloper but clearly gets a chance to win after several encouraging runs. Cigar Buddies should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way with early luck from his wide barrier.

Race 4: Amazing News had genuine excuses last week when racing wide and consider again as he has drawn low and should map to get the run of the race. V Chevaliers finished powerfully with fastest sectional time ranking last start but he comes into a much lower draw here and can improve. Chater Pins recent runs have been encouraging and can run well. Villa Fionn well supported last start and won accordingly, might be able to go close again. Murray’s Partners generally gets back in the running but dashes strongly home.

Race 5: Dr Winning comes from an astute stable (John Size) and should be considered a big chance with Moreira back in the saddle. Bulletproof is back in good form and must be considered a chance, Purton rides and will be a solid chance. Nearly Fine looks ready to run a big race in Class 4, but a lower barrier would have been ideal. Laputa has been steadily improving - do not dismiss. Toycoon too many chances of late but his dividend should be greater here and it’ll pay to keep him in the numbers.

Race 6: Circuit Booming having third start and may improve here. With the rail in the C+3 position and with the early speed he has shown, Purton might be able to pinch the race from out in front. Spontaneous drops down in grade and start following. Big chance on his best form. Regency Star has shown ability and gets his chance to win here coming into a lower draw. Wind Speeder best run to date was last start and appears to be improving. Jazz Steed caught the eye last start running home powerfully.

Race 7: Fabulous Eight down in class and from barrier 3 he will be up on the pace under Moreira and will giving them something to run down in the stretch. Scotch Tycoon caused a surprise last start when winning at big odds. From his good gate, he will get his chance to prove it was no fluke. Forte placed last start and will run well again at his second start for the David Hayes stable. My Ecstatic every chance last start but still ran a good race. Preferred over a longer trip but on class he has to be a chance. Star Of Wuyi ran the second fastest sectional time last start.

Race 8: Maldives form is good and is getting close to another victory. Purton jumps back in the saddle and from barrier 1 they should be hard to hold out. Oscar Glory drawn wide but if to find an easy lead, he will give them something to run down. Leap Of Faith fresh up from a break and should run well from the low draw. Fearless Fire has early speed and can always surprise with the right run. Sky Forever remains a maiden galloper but clearly gets a chance to win here after turning in some good runs recently.

Race 9: Astrologer more than capable of winning again in this race as the circumstances appear to play out the same as last time. Rewarding Together rising in class and meets better quality horses but can measure up after a soft Class 4 win last time. California Sky having second start and can improve with experience after a sound fourth place on debut. Jolly Good Heart drawn well and should map to bounce back to form here. Gold Marquis good performance when storming home for third place last start when on debut. Drawn tricky but will be closing off hard and fast again.