Hong Kong horse racing betting tips: Purton and Lor are the Valley’s Reliable Team
POLITICAL events may have taken over the headlines in Hong Kong recently but racing fans will still flock to Happy Valley.
All eyes will once again be on reigning champion jockey Zac Purton following another four-timer at Sha Tin on Monday.
That kept him just within striking distance of Joao Moreira’s record breaking 170 winners for a season, posted back in 2016/17.
With 156 victories to his name, Purton needs another 14 wins to equal Moreira’s total, with just four meetings remaining.
Normally that would be out of the realms of possibility, but such is the determined drive of the Australian to crack the record, it would be a brave man to bet against him.
He has his card marked in seven of the eight races today and will need to visit the winners’ circle at least three times if he is to keep his dream alive.
He teams up with his old ally trainer John Moore on a couple of contenders during the afternoon and will be hoping to extend their already successful partnership with Smart Rocket in the 2.15pm and Chefano in the 2.45pm.
Moore, who is in his own private battle with John Size for the trainers’ title, landed a treble at Sha Tin on Monday, which cut the deficit to three behind the reigning champ.
Smart Rocket looks their best hope having drawn an all-important low number against moderate opposition.
But don’t overlook Chefano who was placed in Group company in South Africa and could be reaching his peak after four runs in Hong Kong.
However, Purton’s best hope of success looks to be when he combines with trainer Frankie Lor.
The partnership has a 26 per cent strike-rate this term and will be hoping to improve on that tally when they pair up with RELIABLE TEAM in the 1.45pm over six furlongs and FAT TURTLE in the finale at 3.50pm, over the extended mile.
New Zealand-bred Reliable Team made a successful start to his Hong Kong career when, despite having to work hard from the off, he led for most of the trip and fended off his rivals in the closing stages to win in a good time over course and distance last month.
He has another awkward barrier to overcome, but subsequent track-work reports suggest he has improved enormously from his debut run and against some average rivals, is capable of defying his penalty.
On paper, Fat Turtle appears to face a stiff challenge when he takes on some tough Class Two opponents in his first attempt over a mile in Hong Kong.
With the likes of course specialist Turin Redstar, Enrichment, Mr So And So and Green Luck in opposition, this has the makings of a thriller, but Fat Turtle can confirm his big reputation now he’s been upped to a mile.
This Australian-bred four-year-old has always been touted as a smart middle distance prospect having won over a mile in his native country last year.
His record of one win and three placings over six furlongs against talented opposition shows how good he is and he will be hard to beat over his optimum trip.
POINTERS
Reliable Team
1.45pm Happy Valley
Fat Turtle
3.50pm Happy Valley