Zac Purton uncertain how Bundle Award will handle distance test in Queen Mother Memorial Cup
Zac Purton will put his faith in master trainer John Size and Bundle Award's quality when the champion jockey chases a third success in the Group Three Queen Mother Memorial Handicap (2,400m) at Sha Tin on Sunday.
An impressive winner of three Australian races pre-import and two in Hong Kong, Bundle Award rises to 2,400m for the first time on the back of a solid seventh in the Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) and a last-start fourth over 1,800m.
Purton, who has won the Queen Mother Memorial on Exultant (2018) and Dominant (2013), is uncertain how the son of Shamus Award will handle the distance test.
'It's an interesting one,' said the star Australian rider.
Bundle Award punches his 2025 @BMW Hong Kong Derby ticket! 🔥@BenThompson2102 gets John Size's galloper home from the back of the field for a first Class 2 win at Sha Tin... #HKracing pic.twitter.com/erpfaq3dNP — HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) March 9, 2025
'He didn't appear to finish it off too strong in the Derby, but it was always going to be hard from where he was to get into the race. They went so slow and sprinted home, so sometimes that's hard to get a proper handle on a performance.
'He still ran home in quick time but every horse ran home in quick time. I think the question mark is there at the distance but it's a small field, he relaxes and he'll give himself a chance. We've just got to find out if he can run it.'
After finishing two lengths behind shock winner Cap Ferrat in the Derby, Bundle Award was ridden by Purton for the first time when running on from near last to finish fourth behind Californiatotality in the Class Two Hong Kong Lions Cup (1,800m).
'It was good. He got the start wrong, the race wasn't run to suit and he kept finding the line,' Purton said.
'He sprinted quick from the 400m to the 200m and then seemed to flatten out the last bit, so maybe he does want further. We'll find out on Sunday.'
Bundle Award can deliver Size his first victory in the HK$4.2 million feature since his breakthrough success with Dr Well in 2006.
He jumps from barrier two in the field of six. Tony Cruz boasts half of the field in his bid for a sixth victory in the race, with last year's winner La City Blanche, Five G Patch and Winning Dragon his representatives.
Mark Newnham's Bravehearts, a Group One winner over 2,400m in Argentina pre-import, and Derby runner Noisy Boy round out the field.
Armed with a strong book of 10 rides on the 11-race card, Purton will also pilot Size's exciting galloper Crossborderpegasus for the first time in the Class Three Gascoigne Handicap (1,200m).
The three-year-old won his first two starts before a close second to Aeris Nova when wide throughout last start.
'I did a lot of work on him before he raced, but I was obviously out injured so Hugh [Bowman] was able to get on him and he's done a really good job,' Purton said.
'He's got that tendency to hang in and he's drawn out wide [in barrier 10]. It's not going to be an easy task for him, but he's a quality horse that looks as if he's still on the way up. Hopefully we can get in the right spot and give him his chance.'
Impressive win, Mickley! 👌
John Size scoops a four-timer at Sha Tin as the #4YOSeries prospect gets off the mark in Hong Kong under @HugeBowman... #LoveRacing | #HKracing pic.twitter.com/dFGMzzMVd7 — HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) December 15, 2024
Mickley in the Class Two Hillwood Handicap (1,600m) is another of Purton's rides for Size, with the former British galloper stepping out for the first time since his eighth in the Derby.
'He showed a lot early then seemed to lose his way a little bit,' Purton said of Mickley, who won brilliantly over 1,600m at his second start in the city last December.
'He's had a bit of time between runs. I think it's just a matter of finding out what works for him again.'
The All Out, Super Eagle, Better And Better, Shamus Storm, Amazing Run, Packing Turbine and The Boom Box are Purton's other rides on Sunday.
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