Lor expects good shows from Gold Cup duo

Frankie Lor will chase his first G1 Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) success at Sha Tin on Sunday

Lor also confirmed Sword Point will be Dubai-bound after the Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup. The American Pharoah gelding will target the G2 Godolphin Mile (1600m, dirt) at Meydan on Saturday, 5 April.

Lor said: “After Gold Cup we won’t have many choices for him. Obviously, he is a horse better on dirt. He will enjoy a short break after this Sunday and then will depart for Dubai.”

“I am pleased with his work ahead of Sunday’s race and therefore although it will be a big task for him, he should be there and thereabouts and in fact he didn’t run too bad last time on turf. At the moment, I have yet to decide the jockey choice in Dubai,” Lor added.

Sword Point tried to make all last start in the G3 Centenary Vase Handicap (1800m), but just weakened in the home straight and wasbeaten by four lengths by the winner Chancheng Glory last month. Sword Point will tackle G1 races for the fourth time this Sunday.

when he will launch a two-pronged attack in the HK$13 million event. Lor believes both his runners, Happy Together and Sword Point, are capable of going close despite facing strong rivals, including last start Group 1 victor Voyage Bubble. 

French jockey Alexis Badel will once again partner Happy Together while Andrea Atzeni will ride Sword Point for the first time for Lor in the Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup, the second leg of the Triple Crown.

Lor believes Happy Together will once again display another consistent performance over his ideal distance.

Lor said: “I expect Happy Together will run another honest race, as usual. 1800m and 2000m are both his best distances today and you will see him let down and ran on well in the straight.”
The last time Happy Together ran at this course and distance resulted in a creditable fourth in the 2024 G1 FWD QEII Cup on yielding ground.

“He still performed well this season in various Group races this term and was not beaten far in these good races, in particular when fifth in the Hong Kong Mile. He has maintained his form well and I believe he will go close again this Sunday,” Lor added. - Hong Kong Jockey Club

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Shamus Storm finished a slashing second on debut and has since trialled well. He looks poised to go one better from pole position. Lakeshore Hero has shown ability and is coming off a fast-finishing second over this track and distance. Commands respect. Dreaming Winner showed significant improvement last start and draws well to deliver another bold performance. Etalon Or a consistent per- former, he is overdue for a maiden win and should not be overlooked despite the wide draw. Leslie appears well placed with Britney Wong’s 10-pound claim and can surprise at odds.

Race 2: Magic Control a distance specialist, he must be considered a leading chance dropping back to his pet trip, despite carrying top weight. Stellar Express has been in great form recently and looks ideally weighted to extend his strong run. Bottomuptogether returned to his best with a facile win in this class last time out. Unbeaten over this track and distance, he is on track for a double. Whizz Kid based on weight comparisons in collateral form, he could surprise at odds. Full Credit his recent performances have been encouraging and must be included among the better chances.

Race 3: Sky Jewellery an impressive debut winner, he finished a luckless fourth at his second career start due to a poorly judged ride. With even luck in running, he could make amends. Jolly Ruler having dropped in the ratings, he is well placed in Class 4 to bounce back. Never Too Soon will find the filed more manageable on his Class 4 Debut and improvement is expected. South Star has trialled well since his eye-catching debut run and looks capable of securing a spot in the Top 3 second-up. Pearl Of Pang’s possesses tactical speed and could sneak into the placings at odds if given a soft lead.

Race 4: Bienvenue finished second in his last two starts and is edging closer to a win. With a favourable draw, he’s primed to break through. Phoenix Light has shown improvement since dropping to Class 4 and must be considered a strong contender. Blazing Beam out- performed market expectations with a fast-finishing third on debut, and with added experience, he should deliver another solid performance. With A Smile finished a solid sixth on debut despite being badly held up. However, he has to cope with a wide draw this time. Ahren has trialled well for his debut and the betting market will be the best guide.

Race 5: Ka Ying Rising a champion sprinter in unstoppable form, he should defeat this field with ease and looks extremely hard to beat under level-weight conditions. Helios Express has become a regular customer of feature races and looks the second best here. Howdeepisyourlove with an explosive turn of foot, he’s poised to make his presence felt in this small field of nine. Patch Of Theta appears highly suited by the drop back in distance and could run a much-improved race. Beauty Eternal capable but unpredictable, he could surprise at odds on his day.

Race 6: Sunday’s Serenade looks overdue for a win, and his consistency could be rewarded in this below-par Class 4 field. Matsu Victor had genuine excuses last start (raced wide) and could make amends with a better draw this time. Mighty Strength stormed home for a solid third last start. From an inside draw, he should map closer to the speed and go close to winning. Mister Dapper stuck on well for fourth off a frantic tempo last start and could prove a value choice here. Gold Master has trialled well since his impressive last-start win and looks to have more ratings in store.

Race 7: Voyage Bubble a multiple Group 1 winner in career-best form, he can prove hard to run down from an inside draw, especially with J-Mac aboard. Galaxy Patch stormed home for a strong second behind Voyage Bubble last start, but he doesn’t benefit from a weight swing here. Ensued let down well in a slowly run race last start and the extra distance should suit him even better. Chancheng Glory claimed a Group 3 feature in emphatic fashion last start and remains a chance despite rising to Group 1 level. Straight Arron is better than his recent form suggests and could place at odds.

Race 8: Mr Energia scored a last-to-first win in Class 4 last time out and appears ideally weighted to deliver another strong performance, despite making his Class 3 debut. Juneau Pride has been in consistent form and should be included in exotic bets. Armour War Eagle let down well to finish third last start and could prove a lightweight chance. Patch Of Cosmo a progressive 3YO, he defied a wide trip to score an impressive win last start. Victory Sky caught the eye running home strongly last start. From an inside draw, he should settle closer to the speed and produce an encouraging effort.

Race 9: Tamra Blitz has not been beaten far in recent starts and could surprise at value, as he is already below his last winning mark. Solid Win his recent runs have been encouraging and he should deliver a commendable performance with a favourable draw. Winning Gold returned to his best with a tenacious win last start and looks one to follow. Brilliant Express is coming off an easy win in Class 4 and looks to have more ratings up his sleeve as a promising 4YO. Beauty Crescent attacked the line strongly late last start but will need some luck from a trick draw this time.

Race 10: Yee Cheong Glory created a huge impression on debut and looks primed for back-to-back victories, despite rising to Class 3. Lifeline Express backing up quickly from a strong effort last week, another encouraging performance is imminent with an inside draw. Paki- stan Legacy has trialled well since his solid debut run and must be considered a strong contender. Chateauneuf finished a close third behind the unbeaten The Boombox last start. Commends respect. Super Legends secured back-to-back wins last time out and could continue his strong run, though the wide draw remains a concern.