Full Speed Ahead for Aerovelocity

Jockey Zac Purton made history in the 2013-2014 racing season, taking down the colors of perennial leading rider Douglas Whyte to win the local jockeys’ premiership–no small task. The season included a victory aboard Dominant (Ire) (Cacique {Ire}) in the G1 Hong Kong Vase, and Purton will have solid claims for a return to the HKIR winner’s circle if Aerovelocity (NZ) (Pins {Aus}) is able to return to his best form.

Trained by Paul O’Sullivan, a former champion conditioner in New Zealand, Aerovelocity has come through the grades to win six of 13 local appearances and won his first stakes in the Sha Tin Vase H. last May. Runner-up in the Premier Cup H. over 1400 meters June 8, he returned to action with a short-head success in the Premier Bowl H. Oct. 26, in which he closed his final 400 meters in a sparkling :21.56. But he apparently exhausted all his luck in that event, as he was badly hampered last time nearing the final furlong of the G2 Jockey Club Sprint Nov. 23, losing all chance and finishing last as the 19-10 favorite behind Peniaphobia (Ire) (Dandy Man {Ire}) (VIDEO). Like most others, Purton is willing to draw a line through that effort. 

“He’s a good horse. It’s not as if he’s snuck up on us, he has won six of his past eight starts,” the Australian hoop explained. Obviously we can just forget his last run. With a clear run he could have won or at least run second. He’ll be better for that again and Paul [O’Sullivan] trains his horses to improve through a prep. He’s 100% honest and I don’t think he’s far off having what it takes to win a race like this.”