Hong Kong racing continues on Sunday (29 October) for a 10-race fixture at Happy Valley.
Four-year-old gelding TURIN MASCOT can put a luckless first-up run behind him and bounce back in Sunday’s Class 3 Handicap over 2200m.
TURIN MASCOT, a three-time winner from five over the mile in Ireland, improved with racing and after a stable change to trainer Pierre Ng towards the end of last season, finishing on a high with an eye-catching first local win at this track and distance.
Resuming over 1800m at the end of September, TURIN MASCOT had excuses in running from barrier 1 as the well-backed $2.3 favourite as he was badly held up for a run from the 250m until passing the 100m.
With nowhere to go, he lost all momentum and had to settle for fifth place, beaten three lengths. TURIN MASCOT has trialled well in between runs and should be getting his opportunity to strike back second-up with better luck.
Zac Purton will be hoping Turn Mascot, along with others, can spell the end of a dry spell which is nearing numbers not reached since 2020.
Winless from 27 rides since guiding home Taj Dragon to victory on 15 October, Purton is nearing a 33-ride losing streak suffered in November 2020.
Sunday at Happy Valley could turn it all around for the Australian, who has 16 wins but 19 seconds and 17 thirds for the term.
Seven-year-old gelding DURHAM STAR is another who could score for Purton. The Douglas Whyte-trained galloper will be afforded all hope to score an overdue win in the Class 4 Handicap over 1650m.
This is by far the weakest contest DURHAM STAR has contested in some time, while his last-start fourth-place finish boasts plenty of merit to it. From barrier 2, he should get a sweet run just off the pace under Purton and will be getting his chance.
