Trainer Tony Millard and champion jockey Zac Purton have not partnered up for over 12 months, but they could be back as an item after aspiring star Divine Calling makes his long-awaited debut in the Cafeteria Handicap (1,400m), reports Racing Post HK.
Yesterday's running of the Group One Caulfield Guineas in Melbourne was a timely reminder of the class of Divine Calling, as 12 months ago today he was unluckily beaten when a narrow second in the same race. The Cox Plate winner of two weeks later finished behind him and so did some high quality winners of big races in Australia since, so it is serious form.
The grey had one more race during the Melbourne carnival before he was purchased as a Classic Mile-Derby prospect for this season. Even the Hong Kong Mile has been mentioned in reference to him. Although he has not raced in that 365 days, he has been here for quite a while and Millard has been painstaking in getting the gelding ready for whenever he did choose to run him.
Even at the owners' carnival over a month ago, Divine Calling had his second trial of the season and already looked very forward. He has been to the trials again just over a week ago and it seems connections are quite intent on having the grey win on debut.