Zac Purton has been booked to ride Japanese raider Admire Rakti in both the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups this spring.
Admire Rakti sits near the top of Melbourne Cup betting behind the likes of The Offer, La Amistad and fellow Japanese stayer Bande.
The six-year-old will head to Australia with both the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups in mind with connections already booking the services of jockey Zac Purton.
Purton turned heads during a short stint in Japan last month before succumbing to a heel injury.
“While I was over in Japan I did pretty well,” Purton said.
“They were impressed with the way I rode.
“I’ve been able to pick up one of their horses, Admire Rakti. He ran fourth in the Japan Cup last year behind Gentildonna and then he ran in the Tenno Sho and probably got a bit tired over the 3200m.
“He has form over the trip previously though and if he gets there safe and sound I’ve got no doubt he is going to be one of the hardest horses to beat.”
The Group winning stayer and Bande add another element of interest to the Melbourne Cup with the latter a dominant last start winner of the Listed Sapporo Nikkei Open (2600m) at Sapporo on August 10.
“The horse that won the other day, Bande, was very impressive the other day over 2500m, he won by four or five lengths. My horse has got form around him.
“If they both turn up it could be a race in two again and hopefully my guy gets his nose in front.”
Purton is back in Hong Kong after a brief stint riding in Japan followed by a period of recuperation in Australia from a fractured heel.
Hong Kong’s Champion Jockey from season 2013/14 still believes he is on track to be fit and ready for a title defence starting next month.
“It is coming along really well,” Purton told Sky Sports Radio.
“It has improved a lot in the last week.
“I am back my own two feet and walking around now. While I am still in a little bit of discomfort I am pretty happy with the way it is and I am confident I will be ready for the start of the season on September 14.”
Purton will return to Australia late next month with the Cox Plate-bound Sacred Falls joining Admire Rakti as key rides for the hoop.
Sacred Falls is one of the favourites for Saturday’s Group 2 Warwick Stakes (1400m) at Randwick.
“He is a fantastic horse,” Purton said.
“I can’t wait to renew my association with him.
“I couldn’t ride him tomorrow and unfortunately I can’t ride him second up on September 6. The Hong Kong Jockey Club has a function on here that day and it is basically their season opening day.
“I will be able to ride him for the rest of his preparation after that from the George Main Stakes, then another run in the Caulfield Stakes or Turnbull Stakes and then into the Cox Plate.”
