Champion Jockey Zac Purton heads into today’s eight-race card at Happy Valley as one of three jockeys with a full book of rides, including the mount aboard Nextmodel in the Class 4 North Point Handicap (1000m).
The five-year-old won with plenty in hand last start at the Valley and finds himself sitting on the cusp of a Class 3 berth, a win would likely move him up to that grade and put him in contention for the DBS x Manulife Million Challenge.
“His trial was good, I think he’s held his form from last season and I’m happy with him,” Purton said.
Zac Purton – follow him closely (Pic – HKJC)
Trainer Benno Yung’s charge has had no luck with the barrier draw at the city circuit, having drawn gate 12 for his past two runs and this time he has drawn gate 11.
The champion was at his brilliant best aboard the gelding last time out to offset the wide gate inconvenience, driving the five-year-old forward early to score a tough, on-pace win.
“The poor fella has had no luck with barriers at Happy Valley, he did it the hard way last time and he’s going to have to do a similar thing again,” Purton said.
Purton also teams up with the Francis Lui-trained Alpha Hedge in the Class 3 Fortress Hill Handicap (1650m).
The 80-rated six-year-old was a steady improver last season, rising from a mark of 60 at the start of last campaign, largely in part due to his two course and distance scores.
“He’s very consistent, he’s come up with a good gate so he’s going to get a nice run, he’ll get his chance again,” Purton said.
The Irish-bred has drawn gate three in the field of 12 and has the chance to register valuable early points in the Million Challenge.
“He’s going well, he’s a horse that always works well, he’s always fresh in the mornings.”
“He’s probably nearing his ceiling now but if we can get one more out of him, I think it’ll be job well done,” Purton said, querying how many more ratings points the gelding is capable of rising.
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