Tuesday 20 January 2026 4:50 pm
Wind Ready to Blaze the Trail for Purton and Shum
By: Wally Pyrah
Specialist big race trainer Danny Shum is set to lean on his squad of ten raiders at Sha Tin this week, seeking a much-needed boost before his stable star Romantic Warrior faces off against great rival Voyage Bubble in the prestigious Group One Stewards’ Cup on Sunday.
Shum has endured a challenging period in the city recently, with his stable yet to secure a victory this month and currently mired in a losing streak spanning thirty-two runners. However, fortunes can shift rapidly in the world of horse racing.
Proven All-Weather Form
Notably, Shum has already saddled six winners on the all-weather dirt surface at Sha Tin this season, demonstrating his prowess in these conditions. He reunites with his trusted ally, jockey Zac Purton, who takes the ride on three of the stable’s runners this outing.
The Shum-Purton partnership boasts an impressive strike rate of just over thirty percent, instilling confidence as they target key races. Their contenders include the well-drawn Forever Folks in the Po Shek Wu Handicap and the well-handicapped but sometimes frustrating Allcash in the Green Island Handicap.
Blazing Wind: The Standout Chance
According to the form book, their best opportunity for success lies with BLAZING WIND, who competes in the Shui Chuen O Handicap (2.15pm) over six furlongs. This son of Deep Field has consistently impressed observers since his victory on his seasonal debut back in September.
Earlier this month, Blazing Wind delivered a barnstorming performance, charging from far back and a wide draw to finish a strong third behind the smart Victory Sky. This time, with a more favourable draw in stall six, he is expected to enjoy a perfect journey throughout the race.
When Purton shifts into overdrive down the home straight, Blazing Wind could prove very difficult to stop, offering a beacon of hope for Shum’s stable as they aim to snap their recent slump and build momentum ahead of Sunday’s headline showdown.
POINTERS
Blazing Wind – 2.15pm – Sha Tin
