Purton to tuck into a weekend winner with Gusto
SPARE a thought for 29-year-old local jockey Angus Chung when he arrives at Sha Tin on Sunday.
The two-pound claiming rider, retained by the Tony Cruz stable with 23 winners to his name this season, has only four rides on the card but more importantly has lost two plum rides on the programme.
Unfortunately, despite giving Victor The Winner an impressive front running ride at Happy Valley last month, he has been overlooked in favour of champion Zac Purton in the feature race of the day.
If that was not enough, the spectre of Purton looms large once again, with Chung losing his regular ride aboard GUSTOSISIMO to Purton in the six-furlong HKU Jockey Club Student Villages Handicap (1.05pm).
Joao Moreira aside, Purton is considered way ahead of his weighing-room colleagues in terms of race-riding ability, but it must be disconcerting for a young jockey to have two potential winners whipped from under him.
Owners’ pay the bills though, and it is unlikely they could say no when Purton came calling for the ride on the Tony Cruz-trained sprinter, who on his best form is hard to oppose.
It has been a long time between drinks for the son of Exceed And Excel – 420 days to be precise – since winning against better company than he meets here, but his recent form bears up to scrutiny.
A close third to the highly progressive galloper My Mars, conceding five pounds, over the course and distance last month is the best form on view and his previous start when ninth, but beaten only two-and-a-half lengths by smart sprinter Patch Of Stars in Class Two company, is equally encouraging.
Opposition includes Effortless Win, a winner on his debut last month, and judged on a recent trial win, he has improved further.
He looks the principal threat, alongside Lady’s Choice who is returning to form but has a wide draw, and Chill Buddy, who can be excused his last performance due to missing the start.
POINTERS
Gustosisimo 1.05pm Sha Tin