Hong Kong-based jockey Zac Purton has ventured to Werribee to partner his spring Cups hope Admire Rakti in a familiarisation gallop.
Purton is in Melbourne to ride Sacred Falls in the Caulfield Stakes and took the opportunity to get acquainted with the Japanese stayer who lines up in next Saturday’s Caulfield Cup.
“He gave me a really good feel,” Purton said.
“He finished (his work) off very strongly and if anything he was doing his best work past the line.”
Admire Rakti shares the third line of Caulfield Cup betting and he is on the fourth tier of Melbourne Cup markets as a $15 chance.
The seven-year-old is one of two Japanese horses in Melbourne for a much-anticipated spring campaign.
Bande is also highly placed in Cups betting after five wins in 12 starts. His record also includes a Group One placing in the Japan St Leger over 3000m.