By Nathan Mody
Midweek racing in Hong Kong this week is one of the rare all-weather track meetings, with all events run on the artificial surface and the meeting presents top jockey Zac Purton with a chance to get back in the good graces of trainer John Moore.
Purton has been high on the riders’ table since arriving in Hong Kong but rarely rides for the Moore yard – he has had only eight rides for Moore in over two years and only one this season.
But with Brett Prebble suspended, premiership leader Purton is Moore’s substitute on Wednesday and rides two excellent winning chances from just a small number of stable entries.
Purton is on Our Dynasty in race one for Moore and Silver Grecian in the final event, with both expected to be favourite or close to it.
Our Dynasty was the favourite first-up this season when he finished third on the all-weather on September 23, and he had no real excuses then for Prebble, but he should be fitter for having had the race. A maiden from 17 races in Hong Kong, Our Dynasty is definitely no star but he has looked at his best on the all-weather course and he should get a nice run from barrier three in a weak Class Four race, with his main dangers Fortune Together, Goldmen YY and Young Hero.
At the other end of the race meeting, Silver Grecian was another beaten as favourite first-up for the season on turf for Prebble, but he drops back to Class Two level and has run great races both times he has appeared on the all-weather.
Moore has tuned Silver Grecian up with a barrier trial since his first run and, from gate two, Purton will give the gelding every chance.
The race features a few capable types, with main dangers Helene Spirit, John Size-trained Aomen and Free Judgment.
