Zac Purton returns with pair of cracking chances at Sha Tin

Dancing Fighter
8.05 Sha Tin
1pt win

Unicron Jewellery
8.35 Sha Tin
2pts win

Superich
9.45 Sha Tin
1pt win

The Hong Kong Jockey Club celebrates the 40th anniversary of the opening of Sha Tin racecourse this weekend, and as ever, the big names are set to dominate.

The world-famous track, situated in the New Territories, a dozen miles from the China border, has seen some of racing’s most famous equine and human talent compete over the years.

Australian jockey Zac Purton, one of its modern day stars, returns from a costly three-meeting ban, and is eager to make up for lost time. With another busy day ahead, his two best chances on the ten-race card appear to be newcomer Dancing Fighter (8.05) and the well-established Superich (9.45).

Backing a horse on racecourse debut always carries an element of risk, but the Caspar Fownes-trained Dancing Fighter has already displayed plenty of ability when trialling at Sha Tin, and he can win this Class 4 5f handicap on his first start.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club celebrates the 40th anniversary of the opening of Sha Tin racecourse this weekendCredit: Getty Images

Barrier trials are not the same as races, but they can still be a very good guide, and it is worth noting that Dancing Fighter went into many notebooks when trialling very strongly last week. Importantly, he showed early speed.

He is a gelded son of Zoustar, who has made a brilliant start as a stallion in Australia. His main danger is the Tony Cruz-trained Multimillion, another who has shown promise.

Purton’s other big chance, the Frankie Lor-trained Superich, has already notched three wins from seven starts and is a feasible Hong Kong Derby contender. He can further his Classic claims with victory in the finale, a Class 2 7f handicap.

This is the most interesting race on the card, with many well-credentialed imports declared. However, the majority will be better suited at one mile and beyond.

Another solid bet today is Unicron Jewellery (8.35), a stoutly-bred son of crack New Zealand sire Savabeel, and one who will really appreciate the step up in trip to 1m2f. He is another likely winner for the combination of Joao Moreira and John Size.

Members can read the latest exclusive tipping content such as Pricewise and Paul Kealy from 8pm daily on racingpost.com