Zac Purton turned Sha Tin into his personal stage on Sunday, producing a five-win performance that reinforced his grip on the Hong Kong jockeys’ championship and brought the Hong Kong Classic Mile firmly into focus.

Two four-year-olds emerged as key players for the HK$13 million feature on 1 February, with Little Paradise and Invincible Ibis both delivering wins that suggested they are peaking at the right time.

Little Paradise rounded off Purton’s quintet with an authoritative victory in the Class 2 Racing Club Cup Handicap over 1400m. Carrying 122lb, the Toronado gelding dismissed older rivals with ease, stopping the clock at 1:20.84 to secure a HK$1 million PPG bonus. Infinite Resolve chased him home, with Mid Winter Wind in third, but the result was settled well before the line.

Purton was full of praise afterwards, describing Little Paradise as progressive and a pleasure to ride, highlighting his ability to relax and deliver a strong finish in a competitive field. With multiple Classic Mile options available to him, Purton now faces a significant decision.

Trainer Jimmy Ting hopes the champion jockey stays loyal, believing the mile will be ideal for Little Paradise. He noted the gelding’s growing maturity and calmer racing manners, which have allowed his ability to shine through.

Purton was narrowly denied a sixth win when his commitment to Beauty Bolt saw him finish second in the Class 3 Pak Shek Au Handicap over 1600m. Victory instead went to Invincible Ibis, partnered by Hugh Bowman, who produced a powerful late surge to prevail by a neck in 1:34.18.

Bowman allowed Invincible Ibis to settle at the rear before navigating into clear running, and he was impressed by the colt’s willingness to sustain a long run and respond decisively when challenged late.

Trainer Mark Newnham praised both the ability and determination shown by Invincible Ibis, who has now strung together four consecutive wins. He confirmed the colt heads to the Hong Kong Classic Mile in excellent form.

Purton’s five winners lifted his season tally to 59, extending his lead over Bowman to 33 wins. His other successes came aboard Snowthorn, Majestic Valour, Robot Star and China Win, the latter a horse he described as talented but mentally inconsistent, with staying potential once everything falls into place.

Newnham also enjoyed success elsewhere on the card, reclaiming the lead in the trainers’ championship when Lucky Sam Gor landed the Class 3 Stanley Gap Handicap, pushing him one win clear of Caspar Fownes.

The meeting featured several standout supporting performances. Young Emperor scored at 67/1 for David Eustace and Luke Ferraris, while Money Catcher finally returned to winning form after three years, taking advantage of a strong tempo to score over 1800m for Frankie Lor and Derek Leung.

Once a Group 1 placegetter behind Romantic Warrior in the Hong Kong Cup, the eight-year-old’s victory was particularly satisfying for connections who had remained patient through a long drought.

Further highlights included an impressive win by Elite Golf for Chris So and Harry Bentley, and Rezeki opening his Hong Kong account for David Hall under a polished ride from Andrea Atzeni.

With the Hong Kong Classic Mile drawing closer, Sunday’s Sha Tin meeting felt like a dress rehearsal. Purton dominated the afternoon, but it was Little Paradise and Invincible Ibis who ensured the next chapter promises even more intrigue.