Zac Purton set a task from wide draw on Moira in bid for fourth Doncaster Mile win
A three-time winner of the handicap worth about HK$19 million in prize money, Purton has been set a task after Moira drew barrier 21 for her Australian debut for trainer Chris Waller.
The last-start Group One Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf (2,200m) winner will come into gate 18 if the reserves don't gain starts.
Moira, a winner at seven of 17 starts, was bought by Yulong Investments for US$4.3 million (HK$33.5 million) at the Fasig-Tipton November Sale in America after her Breeders' Cup success.
'Obviously, she won the Filly & Mare there at the Breeders' Cup in good fashion,' said Purton, who has won the Doncaster on the Waller-trained Sacred Falls (2014), It's Somewhat (2017) and Mr Brightside (2023).
'She can definitely run a strong mile. She's never been right-handed before, so that's definitely a bit of a question mark and Chris hasn't had her for too long.
'It's a strong race. Being a handicap, there are going to be a lot of chances in the race but she's an exciting mare to get on and I just hope that she can bring her best on the day so that the people of Canada – she was Horse of the Year there – [have] something to cheer for and also the people of America as well.'
Purton isn't the only Hong Kong rider chasing Doncaster success, with Andrea Atzeni taking up the opportunity to ride Al Mubhir for British trainer William Haggas.
Al Mubhir has won four races, including the Listed Gala Stakes (2,011m) at Sandown Park last year, from 24 starts.
'William approached me a while ago and said Al Mubhir was going to run in the Doncaster Mile,' Atzeni said.
'He asked me if I was happy to go and ride him and obviously, I said 'yes'. I actually rode him in the Lincoln [Handicap at Doncaster racecourse] a few years ago and he was favourite for the race. It looks like an open race and with a light weight, he should be competitive.'
Karis Teetan was set to join Purton and Atzeni in the Doncaster, but his mount Rise At Dawn was relegated to first reserve when the final field was released earlier this week.
What a win by Marhoona in the G1 TAB Golden Slipper, proving dreams can come true!
She wins for @MFreedmanRacing and @LaneDamian! 👏@EmiratesPark | @aus_turf_club pic.twitter.com/EAq92UCjBf — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) March 22, 2025
While Moira and Al Mubhir are double-figure chances in an open race, Hugh Bowman shapes as the Hong Kong rider best placed to achieve Group One glory at Randwick when he rides Rivellino in the Inglis Sires' (1,400m).
Bowman is adamant the Kris Lees-trained colt should have finished much closer than fourth when he was held up at crucial stages in the straight in the Group One Golden Slipper (1,200m) last start.
'I was really taken by him in the Golden Slipper,' Bowman said.
'He's a pretty good horse. Hopefully he can get away a bit better than he did – he jumped a little bit slow but he just didn't get into stride at all.'
Rivellino is the $4.20 second favourite in fixed-odds markets. Bowman will also ride long-shot Red Aces in the Group One ATC Australian Derby (2,400m).
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