Cruz spots the perfect opportunity for Ka Ying Star at Sha Tin

Bear Slam
8.05 Sha Tin
2pts win

Ka Ying Star
8.35 Sha Tin
2pts win

Mighty Giant
9.45 Sha Tin
2pts win

Zac Purton switches camps when teaming up with the talented Ka Ying Star for the first time in the Class 1 mile handicap (8.35) on a high quality card at Sha Tin.

That is not to imply he knows little about the import, who won three races for Andrew Balding in Britain when named Urban Aspect.

Purton has had to contend with the gelding as a major rival when partnering Beauty Generation in a series of big races.

Ka Ying Star’s last start against John Moore's multiple champion in the Group 1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup was arguably his best performance. He fought tenaciously before suffering a half-length defeat.

This season, Ka Ying Star has finished in the frame in five of seven Group races, a real credit to trainer Tony Cruz. Significantly, his two wins in Hong Kong have been recorded over course and distance, and even with a wide draw, he will not be easily inconvenienced here.

Under the handicap conditions, the progressive Preciousship receives 20lb from Ka Ying Star in what could be the highlight of the meeting.

The full ten-race card at Sha Tin

Purton, chipping away at the lead established by Joao Moreira in their on-going title battle, will also be looking to improving Mighty Giant in the Class 3 7f handicap (9.45) to round off the day on a high.

The four-year-old was well ahead of the handicapper when registering a brilliant four-and-a-quarter length victory over course and distance last start, and he has paid the penalty for that facile win.

He has gone up a hefty 11lb in the ratings and been promoted a grade but that should not halt his progression through the ranks. From an inside draw, he can win again.

Moreira has a good book of rides and Bear Slam will be one of his best in the Class 3 handicap over an extended mile (8.05). This ex-John Gosden galloper has become an all-weather specialist in Hong Kong, so this race on dirt will be perfect for him. Volpino looks next best.

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