Rattan Kingdom to strike for Purton

Luke Middlebrook

Rattan Kingdom, who contests Race 7, the Class 4 Handicap over 1200m, stands out at Happy Valley on Wednesday as the best bet on the nine-race card.

The improved five-year-old will be out to score back-to-back victories.

Rattan Kingdom's form has been revamped since a stable change, transferring to Jamie Richards’ stable this term after failing to do much in his first campaign under Richard Gibson.

Although he finished runner-up in his first two runs of the season, he arguably should have won both if not for excuses during the race. The stars aligned third-up 28 days ago, breaking his duck in fine style with an easy 1.75-length score.

Rattan Kingdom races under similar conditions on this occasion and is drawn in barrier No 4 as was the case last time. To add to his chances red-hot Zac Purton is back in the saddle after missing the ride last time as he did not ride at that particular meeting.

Purton boasts a solid book of rides throughout the meeting and in the final race, the Class 3 1650m Handicap, he reunites with honest four-year-old Comet Splendido who looks to be able to bounce back for a win.

Comet Splendido has amassed one win and five placings from his seven Hong Kong starts after arriving a three-time winner from five as a two-year-old and three-year-old in the U.K.

The Danny Shum-trained gelding was last seen at this track 28 days ago over 1800m, turning in a solid run into third after doing all the hard work on-pace in a true-run race, with first and second coming from well back in the field.

Comet Splendido will be suited to the drop in trip this time, as well as reacquainting with Purton who won on him three starts ago. Barrier No 2 is also in his favour, from where he should get the gun run in transit.

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Medic Elite well supported last start and won accordingly. He can go on with it under Purton and up against moderate op- ponents. Beauty Nova best run to date was last start and appears to be improving. The low draw should provide all hope. Asian One every chance last start but still ran a good race and is suited here. Loyal Ambition looks a chance if you go on previous consistent form. Smart Cousin racing well with good sectional time rankings recently and will making a late bid.

Race 2: Rise Brethren every chance last start but still ran a good race. Proven at the 2200m and can get back to his winning ways. Running Glory go on the win two starts ago and give a chance here. Purton jumps back in the saddle and the rise in distance should be no problem. Nearly Fine racing in career-best form and must be rated a good chance to run well again. Berlin Tango good performance when storming home for third place last start and Bowman in the saddle looks suited. Spirited Express well supported last start and won accordingly, he can go on with it.

Race 3: Fun N Glory can bounce back a winner anytime in this class and he has looked well in his recent trials without being asked to do much. This is a weak race where he looks capable of scoring first-up. D Star turned in a very nice debut run and looks to have good ability. Fitter now and can figure. Island Surprise go on the win two starts ago and give a chance here. Flaming Passion had genuine excuses last start and can improve in this race with better luck in the run. Hardly Swears recent runs have been encouraging and can run well from his low draw.

Race 4: G One Excellent backing up quickly from a good last start effort, when only narrowly beaten, and can go close. Tronic Mighty well supported last start and won accordingly when first-up for Richards. He should be able to go on with it now. Colourful Prince second start in this grade after dropping in class and could improve. Raging Blaze generally gets back in the running but dashes strongly home. Star Of Wuyi last start winner who remains in the same grade, trialled well for his return.

Race 5: Star Contact finished powerfully with fastest sectional time ranking last start for a huge run under adversity. Gallant Hero improving type and getting close to a win. The low draw should aid his chances and he looks ready to figure. Sunny Delight go on the win two starts ago and give a chance to improve here. Perfect To Great well-placed and looks a chance in race like this despite being a long-standing maiden. Winwin Thirtythree consistent form lately and can score here.

Race 6: Spicy Grill racing well with good sectional time rankings recently and last start was much better than it reads as he had excuses in the straight. Copartner Era ran the third fastest sectional time last start for a much better run that it reads, a big chance to improve. Theta Hedge was an easy last start winner and must be respected despite the rise in class. Lean Hero caught the eye last start running home powerfully, he is on the improve with more racing. Big Two has shown ability and gets his chance to win here.

Race 7: Rattan Kingdom was an easy last start winner and must be respected to repeat the dose as he should have more to offer since he has improved after a stable change. Durham Star overlook recent runs and go on previous good form, he’s better than his last start. Harmony N Home had betting support last start and where there is smoke there is fire. Vantastic Choice has been steadily improving and do not dismiss. Son Pak Fu had excuses last start when racing wide without cover, he could run a cheeky race from the low draw.

Race 8: A few chances in an open race here. Adios well supported last start and won accordingly and has been honest since day one. Seizing The Moment has a chance based on past form in this class of race and no surprise to see Purton jump on. Namjong Sings go on solid previous efforts where form looked okay, the low draw should help. California Cible faded late last start, chance to improve under right race shape and fitter now being second-up. Excellent Daddy should be highly suited by the drop back in distance and he trialled well recently.

Race 9: Comet Splendido nice horse who is a model of consistency and looks like a chance to bounce back for a win with Purton back in the saddle as well as dropping back in distance. Exceptional Nice well supported last start and won accordingly, the penny has dropped and he can continue his rich vein of form. Winning Dragon winner of last two starts and is a big chance here. Win Win Fighter last start winner who rises in class but he should be measuring up. Maldives generally gets back in the running but dashes strongly home, Bowman in the saddle suits.