Little Paradise will make a much-anticipated seasonal return at Sha Tin on Sunday as Zac Purton renews his successful partnership with trainer Jimmy Ting in the HK$4.2 million G3 Celebration Cup Handicap over 1400m.
The 2026 Hong Kong Classic Mile winner ended last season on a high, and his return has attracted considerable attention in a strong field that includes all three winners from last season’s Four-Year-Old Classic Series. Purton will be looking to continue a highly productive association with Ting, having finished in the top three on 10 of 11 rides for the trainer last season, with four of their seven victories coming aboard Little Paradise.
The five-year-old arrives for his first run of the new campaign following a Group 3 success in June’s Premier Cup Handicap over the same course and distance. He will meet several familiar rivals again, including Galaxy Patch, Lucky With You and Patch Of Theta.
This time, however, Little Paradise will carry 124lb, four pounds more than the weight carried in his June victory.
Little Paradise Set for Sha Tin Return
Purton believes Little Paradise has returned in much the same condition as when he finished last season.
The champion jockey described the gelding as a mature and physically strong racehorse, while acknowledging that there is still some room for improvement in his racing manner.
“He was always a very nice, mature, big, strong horse,” Purton said. “Mentally, I’d say he’s still a little bit at sea; he climbs his action, and he rolls around a little bit, but that just might be the type of horse he is.”
An encouraging trial on 15 September has provided further confidence ahead of Sunday’s assignment. Little Paradise worked on the all-weather track and appeared comfortable enough before heading into the race off his strong finish to last season.
Purton said the horse has generally pleased in his morning preparations and believes there could be more improvement to come.
“He’s a horse that generally pleases in the mornings,” Purton said. “I think he’s got that potential there. Whether we can just get that extra little bit out of him, or whether what he’s done is as good as he is, time is going to tell.”
The Celebration Cup will therefore provide an important first indication of how much progress Little Paradise has made during the summer break.
Speed Battle Expected in Magpie Handicap
Elsewhere on Sunday’s Sha Tin programme, the Class 2 Magpie Handicap over 1200m could produce a sharp contest among several naturally forward-going runners.
Turquoise Velocity, partnered by Karis Teetan, is expected to be prominent from gate one. The draw could prove particularly useful given the amount of early speed in the field.
“Getting a good draw is always helpful to these horses,” Teetan said. “Of course, with so much speed in the race, it’s going to work in our favour with a good draw.”
Turquoise Velocity enjoyed an encouraging first campaign in Hong Kong during the 2025/26 season, recording four wins, two seconds and a third from 10 starts. Now five, the gelding has progressed into Class 2 company and races from a mark of 85, having started his Hong Kong career 33 points lower.
Teetan has been impressed with the horse’s attitude and physical feel.
“He gives you a lovely feel when you sit on him,” he said. “He’s actually a horse that tries a lot. I can see this is why he’s got good form and he’s gone up so much in the ratings.”
Meanwhile, Group 1 winner My Wish completed his preparation for a seasonal return with a strong trial at Sha Tin on Friday morning. Ridden by Purton for trainer Mark Newnham, My Wish made good late progress to finish first in a 1200m dirt trial in 1:11.24.
Sunday’s 11-race programme at Sha Tin will begin at 12.45pm with the Class 5 Tropicbird Handicap over 1200m on the dirt.
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