Sha Tin Racecourse will be the stage for high drama this Sunday as trainer Francis Lui launches a two-pronged assault on the HK$4.2 million G3 Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse Handicap (1800m). Lui, chasing his first victory in this prestigious feature, will saddle two well-prepared contenders: Cap Ferrat and Chancheng Glory.
Cap Ferrat, last year’s BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) winner, will make his first partnership with champion jockey Zac Purton. Lui is optimistic about the pairing. “Cap Ferrat is currently in fine form,” Lui said. “He ran well last time in the Group 2 Sha Tin Trophy Handicap (1600m). He was held up for clear running and couldn’t be ridden out to the finish, but he was beaten by only a small margin. With Zac onboard, I’m hopeful he will run close.”
The 2025 Derby hero has already been nominated for both the HK$40 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m) and the HK$36 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m). Lui revealed that Sunday’s Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse will help him decide which Hong Kong International Races (HKIR) target to pursue. “Purton rode him in trackwork last week, and the feedback was very positive,” Lui added.
Meanwhile, Chancheng Glory returns to Hong Kong following a gallant second in Japan behind Diktaean in the G3 Korea Cup (1800m, sand) in September. Lui confirmed that the horse had recovered well from his overseas campaign. “He had a couple of trials after returning to Hong Kong and is well prepared for Sunday’s race. Chancheng Glory will also be aimed at the HKIR, and we hope both horses will run well to enhance their chances of selection.”
The Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse field is a competitive one, featuring 16 entries, including top weights Beauty Joy (135lb) and Chancheng Glory (132lb), alongside Cap Ferrat (127lb), Happy Together (129lb), Moments In Time (127lb), and Sunlight Power (126lb). Two reserves, La City Blanche (105lb) and Ka Ying Generation (101lb), complete the lineup. Punters can expect a tactical, hard-fought contest with stakes high not just in prize money, but in shaping the path to December’s HKIR.
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