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| Staff Writer |
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Zac Purton knows that Lucky Sweynesse needs to improve to win the Gr.1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint at Sha Tin on Sunday (10 December). The race has a field of high-quality local and international sprinters.
Lucky Sweynesse was the world's highest-rated sprinter but returned with two second-place finishes before winning the BOCHK Private Banking Jockey Club Sprint at his last run at Sha Tin on 19 November. After failing in the sprint last December, Lucky Sweynesse went on to win six races in a row, including three at Group One level.
“He was in a real purple patch of form last year, reeling off all those wins,” Purton said.
“He was impressive and he has just struggled this season to get back to that level, but I feel as though he is getting back there now and has had a couple of runs to get back to his best.
“I think he showed that in his last run.
“The horse is trying hard and doing his best and I think he is in the best shape he has been in all season for this.”
Purton is hoping to secure a favorable barrier draw and a dry track for the race.
Looking forward to the race, Zac Purton expressed his confidence in Lucky Sweynesse's readiness for the Gr.1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint at Sha Tin on Sunday. Although there has been talk of disappointment in Lucky Sweynesse's first two runs, Purton believes the horse had legitimate excuses for failing to win.
The gelding had to run on a wet track, carry top-weight, and was still building on his fitness. Despite these challenges, Purton believes Lucky Sweynesse is in good shape for Sunday's race and is optimistic for a better outcome than last year's sixth-place finish.
In that race, Lucky Sweynesse encountered problems as the Singapore raider Lim's Kosciuszko began to drop back in the field, and the barrier draw of three didn't suit him. However, with an extra run and natural improvement, as well as meeting the opposition on Sunday at set weights, Purton believes Lucky Sweynesse is well-prepared for the challenge.