Purton, high on confidence, can mow down favourites
Zac Purton will be still riding high after his Royal Ascot win during the week and today he can upset the favourites in the Jockey Challenge.
The Australian's King's Stand Stakes victory on Little Bridge was a career highlight for Purton, who can create a personal best for wins in a season with a single success today.
His 54th win for the term could come early with Paul O'Sullivan's Mount Victory in the opening event, and he has some strong chances sprinkled among his nine-ride book.
Mount Victory drops into Class Five for the first time, has drawn well in one and races over a suitable 1,800m.
Topping the betting ahead of Purton, a $4.25 third favourite last night, are perennial market leaders Douglas Whyte ($2.85) and Brett Prebble ($3.20).
Purton has a strong start to the meeting, after Mount Victory he rides two well-fancied runners in races two and three - Africa Light and Sharema Feeling.
Africa Light should benefit from blinkers going on for the first time, and finishing ahead of Whyte on likely race favourite Vivacissimo would boost Purton's hopes.
Sharema Feeling has again drawn wide, but that hasn't stopped him from producing nice run-on efforts at last two starts. In the feature race, the Members Cup, Purton gets his first ride on talented four-year-old Longwah Supreme, who drops back to Class Two and has drawn one.
