The big story heading into the Happy Valley meeting on Wednesday night was Moreira’s two-win lead over Purton in the jockeys’ championship and that looked set to be the talking point again when the Australian rider narrowed the margin to one with his success on David Hall’s Dr Proactive in the second section of the Class 4 Hap Mun Bay Handicap (1200m).

However, Moreira was able to hit back with a quick double on John Size’s Infinity Endeavour in the Class 3 Cafeteria Handicap (1200m) and the Ricky Yiu-trained Speedy King in the Class 3 Cheung Sha Handicap (1200m) to extend his lead to three wins over Purton.

It took a last-race victory for Purton on Frankie Lor’s Glorious Artist in the Class 3 Clear Water Bay Handicap (1650m) to maintain the two-win buffer heading into Sunday’s 77th meeting of 88 this term. 

“He still looks to have plenty of upside,” Lor said. “There were no more 1800m races for him, which was a shame as he won in track record time last start, but I thought 1650m would be no problem as he won over 1400m on a synthetic track in the UK. I will take him back to the stables and see how he is, but if he pulls up OK, there is an 85 to 60 race in July that will suit him.”

Freshman handler Lor, who sits second in the trainers’ premiership with 55 wins, says that the battle between Purton and Moreira is something that should be embraced by trainers, owners and racing fans.

“It’s great, this battle between Joao and Zac,” Lor said. “Both jockeys are trying very hard and it is only a good thing. It is exciting to watch and great for our owners.”

Racing continues at Sha Tin on Sunday, with the feature, the G3 Lion Rock Trophy Handicap (1600m), set to be headed by G1 winners Werther and Beauty Only.

Zac Purton drives Glorious Artist home to give the galloper his second consecutive win, picture Hong Kong Jockey Club