Purton power can help Ruby take his love to town

When the Brazilian is away, the Aussie will play.

Joao Moreira’s latest suspension – this one picked up on a flying visit to Oz at the weekend – means the spotlight will be firmly back on his big rival Zac Purton at Happy Valley’s final October fixture.

Purton has been in fine form at the city venue in recent weeks, riding ten winners at a stroke rate of better than one in five, and Winwin Ruby looks the best bet on the card when he travels across town for the Dordenma Handicap at 3.15.

True, this gelding has never run at the Valley but his strong-travelling style should suit the tight circuit and there is no doubt his recent form is solid.

Winwin Ruby went down fighting behind one of the most progressive handicappers around in Rattan at Sha Tin on his latest start and a 1lb rise leaves him very fairly treated for a race in which at least half the field look tough to fancy.

One of these days Purton will find the key to the capable but frustrating Victory Follow Me. That day could well come in the Powerful Handicap at 12.45, while the vastly-improved Starlight is clearly the one to beat in the concluding Perfect Gear Handicap at 3.50.

However, the second recommendation on the card is partnered by sparky Italian rider Umberto Rispoli.

Purton’s presence will ensure that Exceptional Desire is very popular for the Longines Cup at 2.15 and Chris So’s gelding is clearly on the up after winning with some authority here three weeks ago.

However, the clock shows that Exceptional Desire was helped by securing a relatively easy lead from an inside draw under Moreira that day.

Manful Star thrived in the heat of a much more strongly-run race when beating a subsequent scorer in willing fashion later on the same card and stall 2 is an added plus around a “C+3” course which can often hand a valuable edge to those drawn low.

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