It’s one of the more competitive editions in recent memory and Sunday’s Group Three Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse (1,800m) features a pair of former winners of the race, two Hong Kong Derby heroes and a host of other gallopers hoping to stake their claim for next month’s Longines Hong Kong International Races.

The 2023 Ladies’ Purse victor, Encountered, and reigning champion Ensued chase repeat successes at Sha Tin this weekend, while the past two Derby winners, Massive Sovereign and Cap Ferrat, remain in pursuit of maiden Hong Kong Group triumphs.

Cap Ferrat gets the services of Zac Purton for the first time and Hong Kong’s eight-time champion jockey will have his work cut out from barrier 13.

“Cap Ferrat is currently in fine form. He ran well last time in the Group Two [Sha Tin Trophy], just held up for clear running and could not be ridden out to the finish of the race. However, he was beaten not far and hopefully with Zac on board this time, he will run close,” said trainer Francis Lui Kin-wai.

Perhaps the galloper with the most upside, however, is the David Hayes-trained Rubylot, last season’s Classic Cup (1,800m) conqueror who should enjoy the step up in trip as much as anyone.

Fifth from barrier 14 in September’s Group Three Celebration Cup (1,400m) when resuming for the season, Rubylot wasn’t at his best when ninth in a 1,600m Class Two a fortnight ago, however he did lump top weight of 135lb from gate 12 on that occasion.

Rubylot has again been scorned by the barrier gods, copping the outside alley of 14, however a drop to 124lb will help his cause.

“They’ve been good gradual build-up runs. He’s got blinkers on for the first time, which I think is a big plus,” said Hayes of Rubylot, who is likely to progress to the Group Two Jockey Club Cup (2,000m) on November 23.

“And he gets a tongue tie – he got his tongue over the bit the other day, so I think you can see massive improvement.

“I’m expecting a pretty competitive run. Probably his best performance has come over 1,800m. He won the Classic Cup over the distance and he beat My Wish then, so it’s good form.

“It’s a very competitive race, and I want to see a good run. He’ll run in this and then the lead-up race [on November 23].”

Other notable Ladies’ Purse runners include Beauty Joy, Chancheng Glory, Happy Together, Sunlight Power and Californiatotality.

Chancheng Glory races for the first time since his gallant second in September’s Group Three Korea Cup (1,800m) and Lui is confident his charge is ready to deliver another big showing.

“Chancheng Glory recovered well from his Korea trip and is in good shape,” Lui said. “He had a couple of trials after coming back to Hong Kong and is well prepared for Sunday’s race.”

The action won’t be confined to the racetrack on Sunday, either, with ambassador Samantha Ko and singer Yan Ting the star attractions on what the Jockey Club describes as “the city’s most glamorous lifestyle racing event”.

Into it’s 21st year, Ladies’ Purse Day – sponsored by well-known horse owners the Kwok family’s Sa Sa International Holdings Limited – will feature a performance in the parade ring, a fashion show and a best dressed award.