Zac Purton will be reunited with Rainbow Chic at Happy Valley on Wednesday night when he partners the seven-year-old Peintre Celebre gelding in the HKG3 January Cup.
Three of Rainbow Chic’s four career wins in Hong Kong are from the 1800m trip at the city track, with Purton accounting for two of them, including back-to-back victories in the two most recent editions of the C1 Happy Valley Vase.
Rainbow Chic finished out of money in the first three starts this term, all at Sha Tin including the HKG2 Oriental Watch Sha Tin Trophy (1600m) and the HKG3 Celebration Cup (1400m).
He then ran a creditable fifth in a Class 1 all-weather mile last out, and this time he returns to his favourite course and distance, with Purton back in the saddle for the first time this season.
“He’s been doing very well and I can say that he has been coming back to his best,” Purton said. “He trialled well last week and gave me a good feel, on that trial performance he would have decent chance on Wednesday.”
“He ran a good race at Sha Tin on his latest outing and he’s a different horse when racing at Happy Valley. Back to his favourite course and drawn well this time, with lightweight (122lb) on his back, he will be very competitive.
“This year’s January Cup is a very good race and I reckon that this will be the strongest 1800m Happy Valley race that Rainbow Chic has ever run.
“However, the horse has proven that he is a specialist at this course and distance and I believe that he is capable of another great show again.”
The Tony Cruz-trained Helene Super Star, winner of last year’s G1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2400m), heads the weights at 133lb, while stable mate Romantic Touch, who made all to win a 1800m race at Sha Tin on his penultimate start, gets in on 120lb.
Last year’s January Cup winner Pleasure Gains (124lb) will be seeking back-to-back glory with Nash Rawiller on board.
The seven-year-old Cape Cross gelding had a terrific record over the ‘A’ track at Happy Valley (6 wins) and is no doubt another major contender in the field.
John Moore is double-handed in the January Cup with course and distance winner Harbour Master (124lb) and the consistent Kabayan (113lb).
John Size relies on Khaya (122lb), third in the 2014 LONGINES Hong Kong Vase (2400m) and Ensuring (113lb), a course and distance winner last term.
The Richard Gibson-trained Got Fly (119lb) finished second in his only start at Happy Valley three starts back, and last year’s BMW Hong Kong Derby second will bid for his first Group success in Hong Kong this time.
The Tony Millard-trained Top Act, winner of the HKG3 Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse (1800m) last November, gets in on 117lb. Stable mate Mr Gnocchi (113lb) and the Peter Ho-trained Flame Hero (117lb) complete the field.
