Trainer Tom Hogan has arrived in Hong Kong to oversee the final preparation of Gordon Lord Byron for the Champions Mile.
And the Irishman was as pleased as jockey Zac Purton ahead of Sunday’s Group One race.
“The signs are good,” Hogan said. “He was 469 kilos when he ran here in December and he was precisely that weight yesterday morning, not a half kilo more, not a half kilo less.”
Purton, who rode Sacred Falls to a 1-1/2 length fourth behind Gordon Lord Byron in last month’s Group One George Ryder Stakes in Sydney, jumped aboard the visitor for the first time on Friday.
“It was just a light piece of work, to get a feel for him and open up his lungs,” Purton said.
“He’s a well-balanced animal, beautiful to ride and he felt strong underneath me.”
Purton admitted barrier 13 was “not ideal” and he would discuss tactics with the trainer.
Hogan was not concerned about the barrier even after he was told no horse had won the race from a double-figure gate.
“Perhaps we’ll just have to make a bit of history,” he said.
“We’ve got Hong Kong’s top jockey on board and he chased the ride and got the tick of approval from Craig (Williams) who rode him in Australia.
“I’ve watched him before and he rides very well and he was happy with the horse this morning.
“I’m happy with him too and hopefully I’m still happy with him come Sunday evening.”
Australian Purton is poised to win the Hong Kong premiership held for so long by Douglas Whyte.
