Hong Kong Horse Racing Tips: Champion Purton can double up on Star Of Joy and Blitzing

WHEN current leading Hong Kong trainer Tony Cruz and champion jockey Zac Purton team up it’s always worth noting.

The partnership has only combined eight times this season, but it boasts an impressive two wins and two seconds.

Normally Karis Teetan is aboard the majority of Cruz’s runners, but with the Mauritian having to take an enforced holiday over a riding misdemeanour, Purton has stepped in to take the reins on BLITZING in the finale at 2.50pm.

This speedy and progressive four-year-old failed in his hat-trick attempt when being softened up after vying for the lead, and then unable to withstand the late burst of rival Good Beauty three weeks ago.

This time with the equally fast Little Bird, who has the outside draw to overcome in the line-up, he can either sit behind and stalk that rival or dictate the early pace.

With Blitzing receiving 11lbs from his main rival, he should resume winning ways.

Purton is another significant jockey booking, when he partners STAR OF JOY in the five-furlong handicap at 2.15pm.

The reigning champ will be riding at his minimum weight of 8st 6lbs, but will still have to put up 1lb overweight on this son of Snitzel, who looks ready to score his first success.

It’s safe to say regular partner, young 5lb claimer Dylan Mo, didn’t get the best of the gelding who suffered a tough journey and was then caught in the final strides over course and distance last month.

Two sharp gallops over the last week suggest Star Of Joy will be spot on for this contest and he will be hard to beat.

POINTERS

Star Of Joy 2.15pm Happy Valley

Blitzing 2.50pm Happy Valley