Zac Purton can close the gap in the title race with numerous fancied rides

Golden Sixty
7.20 Sha Tin
2pts winLucky More
7.50 Sha Tin
2pts winSmart Patch
9.00 Sha Tin
2pts win

Zac Purton can take another step closer to achieving his target of retaining the riding title when he takes a full book of ten rides at Sha Tin.

Main rival Joao Moreira has set a cracking pace in the championship, but Purton closed the gap with a treble last Sunday, reducing the 'Magic Man's' lead to four. A similarly successful day would have Purton setting up another title battle that may well go the distance.

Lucky More, who was disappointing on his last start, steps up to 6f for the first time in the Chinese Banyan Handicap (7.50) and may prove to be Purton’s best mount at this traditionally popular holiday fixture.

Expect to see the Danny Shum-trained Lucky More sitting in the box seat from gate four, which should see him better placed than Quadruple Double, who must cope with an awkward draw and an 8lb rise.

Purton has given punters a pointer by plumping for Smart Patch in the closing Flame Tree Handicap (9.00). He has not ridden the five-year-old since his Hong Kong debut 14 months ago, but this looks a suitable assignment.

The Grade 3 Chinese Club Challenge Cup (7.20) is the last recognised trial for the Classic Mile on January 27, and the Francis Lui-trained Golden Sixty, who has won six of seven starts, should be equal to the task off his light weight.

John Size is fitting a tongue-tie for the first time (and new headgear) to Champion's Way in an attempt to rekindle the flame in last season's big improver, but Fat Turtle and Seasons Bloom are arguably bigger dangers.

A new face in the jockey ranks is Frenchman Tony Piccone, who arrives fresh from winning the Qatar Derby last month. He also landed the Group 1 Prix du Cadran aboard Holdthasigreen at Longchamp in October.

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