Champion jockey Zac Purton says Voyage Bubble’s disappointing performance last start should be excused as he prepares to take on Romantic Warrior in the HK$13 million G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin on Sunday (1 March).

Ricky Yiu’s seven-year-old finished a distant third to Romantic Warrior in the HK$13 million G1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m) last month, relinquishing the Triple Crown he claimed so spectacularly last season.

Purton noted Voyage Bubble had excuses for that below-par effort.

“I think we can forget the last run,” said the Australian, who secured a sensational G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m) win with Voyage Bubble in December. “He slipped coming out of the gates, he lost his balance and he lost his confidence. He never felt comfortable or in a rhythm throughout that whole race. It upset him a little bit. He wasn’t moving that well, and obviously, he didn’t perform at his best.”

However, Purton is optimistic about his chances of mounting a stronger challenge against Danny Shum’s superstar in the second leg of the Triple Crown on Sunday.

“Since then, he’s trialled really well,” Purton said. “I can feel he’s moving really nicely again, and we know we can handle 2000 (metres).

“It’s a small field. It’ll be a tactical race. Barriers will be important. But I’m going there hopeful that we’ve got a chance to overturn Romantic Warrior.”

Globetrotting phenomenon Romantic Warrior is unbeaten on home soil in more than two years, and has an incredible record of 12 wins and one second from 13 runs at his pet distance of 2000m.

Purton’s enthusiasm was echoed by Yiu, however, who was pleased with Voyage Bubble’s trial on 20 February, in which he hit the front and kept on nicely to head off Romantic Warrior.

“His last trial was good. He’s still showing his form,” said the 2019/20 Hong Kong Champion Trainer.

“Voyage Bubble is very straightforward; he’s never put one step wrong. He’s a very consistent horse, and he’ll run well again. But as we know, it’s a big task this time.”

The son of Deep Field has drawn widest in the six-runner field, while Romantic Warrior will jump from gate four. The other competitors in the race are Ensued (1), Beauty Joy (2), Winning Wing (3) and My Wish (5).

Sunday’s (1 March) 11-race fixture at Sha Tin starts at 12.30pm with the Class 4 Citi Wealth Handicap (1800m). The HK$13 million G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) jumps at 3.35pm, while the meeting also features the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m), which will be run at 4.45pm.