Jim McGrath reckons Zac Purton has some plum rides at Happy Valley

We The South
8.35 Happy Valley (Sun)
2pts win

Ares
9.10 Happy Valley
2pts win

Highland Fortune
9.45 Happy Valley
2pts win

Zac Purton is set to clean up with nine attractive rides at Happy Valley’s only afternoon fixture of the season on Sunday.

With ‘Magic Man’ Joao Moreira still under suspension, champion Purton can make hay. The promising four-year-old Ares has the talent to continue his climb through the ranks in the Class Three 6f handicap sprint (9.10) and can prove his best ride.

There will be no bright lights, just a few shadows cast by the towering apartment blocks along the track’s perimeter, which for Valley veterans will make it seem like the old days.

The Frankie Lor-trained Ares is twice a course-and-distance winner – both in Class 4 – and he has the profile of a sprinter who will comfortably handle this progression one grade higher.

He has gone up 6lb in the ratings for his narrow win last time more than four weeks ago, a victory that was achieved from a wide draw. This time, from stall seven, theoretically it should be a simpler task.

His chief rival is the Paul O’Sullivan-trained Chicken Dance, who Purton partnered on his two solid efforts this season. On this occasion, Karis Teetan takes the mount, and from gate three he should sneak a place on his first run at the city track.

No doubt Purton will work overtime on his speed map before partnering Highland Fortune in the finale, the Class Two 6f handicap (9.45), as he jumps from stall ten, which is particularly awkward from this start.

Highland Fortune, a son of Declaration Of War, limbered up for this with a satisfactory running-on fourth over 5f and is certain to appreciate the step up in trip and the fitting of first-time blinkers. He was twice a course-and-distance winner one grade lower.

In Ireland before his export, the four-year-old won at Leopardstown as a juvenile for Fozzy Stack and looks set to develop into a useful type for Francis Lui.

Earlier, We The South is tipped to land the Class 3 5f sprint (8.35) but there are good reports about newcomer Man Star, who has trialled well. He should be included in multiples.

Tote Placepot recommendations

Race five (1st leg): 3 All You Know, 7 King Dragon

Race six (2nd leg): 1 Kinda Cool, 2 Simply Fluke

Race seven (3rd leg): 1 Flying Quest, 9 Wealthy Delight

Race eight (4th leg): 3 Harmony And Rich, 10 We The South

Race nine (5th leg): 4 Chicken Dance, 8 Ares

Race ten (6th leg): 4 Good Luck Friend, 5 Highland Fortune

Bets can be placed into Hong Kong pools with the Tote, Coral and Ladbrokes. First race at Happy Valley on Sunday is 5am