Positioned on 1808 Hong Kong wins, just behind Douglas Whyte’s record 1813, Zac Purton takes eight rides at Happy Valley on Wednesday after posting a double last Sunday at Sha Tin.
Purton partners Kasa Papa, Me Time, Happy Daily, Bottomuptogether, Happy United, Northern Fire Ball, Pray For Mir and Aurora Lady.
Zac Purton is on the cusp of Hong Kong racing history (Pic – HKJC)
Bottomuptogether features with Purton in the HK$2,84 million Class 2 Jackson Handicap for trainer Frankie Lor.
“Like a few horses he (Bottomuptogether) has just hit a little bit of a plateau. He’s been going quite hard in some of his races and maybe back to 1000 metres and at Happy Valley is going to suit him.He’s got plenty of speed and those type of horses are generally suited there. Hopefully he’s one of them,” Purton said.
Bottomuptogether (124lb) breaks from barrier one against Majestic Knight (135lb), Whizz Kid (131lb), Harmony N Blessed (130lb), Tomodachi Kokoroe (128lb), Brave Star (125lb), Stellar Express (120lb), Healthy Healthy (117lb) and Youthful Spirits (115lb).
Bidding for a first HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) triumph on 31 January at Sha Tin, Purton has opted to ride Packing Hermod for trainer Francis Lui.
“He was always sort of right at the top of the list. I was just giving every horse their opportunity but on ratings he picks himself. He’s done nothing wrong and all of his runs have been good, I’ve been on him and I know him well,” Purton said.
Wednesday’s nine-race fixture at Happy Valley kicks off at 12h40 with the Class 5 Ice House Handicap.
The Hollywoodbets Punters’ Challenge closes at 12h35.
