Little Paradise returned to the winner’s circle with a deserved victory in the Group Three Premier Cup (1,400m) thanks to a super steer from Zac Purton at Sha Tin on Sunday.
The Jimmy Ting Koon-ho-trained galloper proved his credentials with a decisive win by two lengths over Infinite Resolve in February’s Classic Mile, but was unable to repeat the feat in the following legs of the four-year-old series.
Returning to Sha Tin for the first time following an eight-week break after a luckless run in the Group One Champions Mile, the son of Toronado was back in form with an impressive performance in Group Three company.
Settling midfield one off the rail, Purton moved to follow Winning Ovation three wide near the home bend. After making his run wider after turning, outsider Lucky With You pinched a break at the 200m with Little Paradise able to wear him down. Galaxy Patch was the eye-catcher, having his first start for the Brett Crawford stable and rocketing from last to run second by a neck.
In a fortunate week for connections, Purton had carried the same lilac and gold silks to victory when riding Little Bridge to glory in the 2012 Group One King’s Stand Stakes (1,000m) at Royal Ascot for owner Ko Kam-piu.
