Zac Purton will partner Not Usual Talent (NZ) (Zacinto) at Happy Valley on Wednesday in the Green Luck Handicap (1650m).
Purton hasn’t ridden the Zacinto gelding on race day but has liked what he has seen and got a handle on the three-time winner in a recent gallop.
“He was impressive last season. I’ve ridden him one piece of work this season, he’s quite a keen-going horse in the mornings which is why he’s been more effective in fast-run races,” Purton said.
Benno Yung’s charge heads into Wednesday’s nine-runner contest in search of a third consecutive win, after putting in two fast-finishing victories to round out last season.
“In this race we’ve got a small field and the likelihood of a slow pace, which won’t suit him so that’s my concern,” the rider said.
Not Usual Talent was pinhooked by Ascot Farm from the 2016 New Zealand Bloodstock South Island Yearling Sale as a Ready To Run prospect. He went under the hammer at Karaka later that year and realised $34,000 when knocked down to New Zealand Bloodstock as agent.
