Purton can expect more from Champions Cup contender

More Than This
7.20 Sha Tin
2pts win

7.50 Sha Tin
2pts win

Take What You Need
8.25 Sha Tin
2pts win

Sha Tin serves up an absolute cracker in Sunday's Hong Kong Classic Cup (7.20), which promises to be one of best domestic races of the season.

With four runners rated 100 plus, there is an abundance of quality in the 1m1f contest, and with the Derby four weeks away, there can be no better pointer to Hong Kong’s most coveted trophy.

The Francis Lui-trained More Than This (107) has produced two super performances on his last two starts, but he is officially rated 5lb lower than his stablemate Golden Sixty (112), who is eight from nine, including last month's success in the Classic Mile.

Golden Sixty’s brilliance has been his trump card, but whether he can be quite so effective at his first try over this trip is the question.

Also, he was running a high temperature a week ago and Lui only cautiously gave him the green light to run.

Zac Purton has been at pains to point out he has not jocked Ryan Moore off More Than This, stressing he had ridden him in barrier trials and early work soon after the gelding’s arrival in Hong Kong.

Moore switches to the John Size-trained Champion’s Way, whose last run was his best of the season. But the danger to More Than This is more likely to be Joao Moreira’s mount Beauty Legacy, who should be suited by the step up in trip.

Purton also has a great winning chance aboard Columbus County in the 1m2f handicap (7.50) when the gelding attempts to confirm a place in the Derby field.

Caspar Fownes has taken the son of Redwood along very slowly and he is ready to reap the rewards. Columbus County is another who will relish the longer distance.

Top Sydney jockey Hugh Bowman makes a lightning visit to Hong Kong to ride Enjoying for John Moore in the Classic Cup, but while that will be a challenge, the pair can team up for a win with Take What You Need in the 7f handicap (8.25) later on the card.

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