Lor eyes more Four-Year-Old Classic Series opportunities

Bidding to bolster already formidable Four-Year-Old Classic Series achievements, Frankie Lor will attempt to strengthen his 2022/23 arsenal when stablemates A Pal and Can’t Go Wong clash in the Class 2 Yuen Long Handicap (1400m) at Sha Tin on Sunday (15 January).

Lor’s band of contenders for the lucrative HK$48 million series, which kicks off with the HK$12 million Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) on 29 January, is headed by 100-rater Keefy but the reigning Hong Kong champion trainer is also hoping A Pal (78) and Can’t Go Wong (76) can secure handicap rises with strong performances this weekend.

Leading this season’s trainers’ championship 29-25 from Tony Cruz, Lor believes A Pal can improve on his game second to Chris So’s impressive Super Sunny Sing over 1400m at Sha Tin on 1 January.

“Last time, he went good and also the time before when he ran fourth. I will try to get more ratings points for him. At this stage, I will leave the cheek pieces on him because it’s still 1400m,” Lor said.

“I think 1600m will be okay for but when it’s 1800 metres and 2000 metres, I will probably take the cheek pieces off or he might be too keen.”

Into only his sixth season as a trainer, Lor has swiftly compiled an envious Four-Year-Old Classic Series record, notably through 2019 Hong Kong Classic Mile and BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) winner Furore – who raced in the same interest as A Pal – and 2019 Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) victor Mission Tycoon and 2021 Hong Kong Classic Cup winner Healthy Happy.

A Pal will jump from barrier 11 under Derek Leung, while Can’t Go Wong starts from gate three for Matthew Poon.

The Lor pair is among four four-year-olds taking on older rivals in Sunday’s finale. The others are Caspar Fownes-trained Galaxy Witness, who will be partnered by Hugh Bowman from barrier 13, while John Size’s Tuchel returns to competition from gate 14 under Zac Purton.

A disappointing ninth on his Hong Kong debut behind Super Sunny Sing, Straight Arron (77) has been given the chance to enhance Four-Year-Old Classic Series hopes in the Class 3 Ping Shan Handicap (1600m) by David Hayes.

Hayes is confident the G3-winning Australian import is capable of much better than he displayed during a fraught performance on 1 January, when he over-raced and failed to finish off as expected.

“I think we’ll see a different horse at a mile and with the benefit of a run under his belt – he’s been off for a long time – I’m expecting a much better run,” Hayes said.

“If he wins well, of course we can go for the Hong Kong Classic Mile but I’m more confident about the Hong Kong Classic Cup and the BMW Hong Kong Derby because I think he will be at his absolute best at 1800m and 2000m. He could easily put his hand up for the mile.”

Hayes is confident Straight Arron has similar qualities to stablemates Flagship Warrior (84) and Bon’s A Pearla (80), who are also aiming at the Four-Year-Old Classic Series which culminates in the HK$24 million BMW Hong Kong Derby on 19 March after the HK$12 million Hong Kong Classic Cup on 26 February.

Hayes said Straight Arron headed the stable’s four-year-old pecking order before his debut.

“Before he ran, I had him on top and I would like to forgive him for that run and so I will reserve my assessment until after the weekend. It wouldn’t surprise me if he produced a much-improved performance,” the dual Hong Kong champion trainer said. - Hong Kong Jockey Club

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Compulsory had genuine excuses last start and consider again, when blood in the trachea as a loose favourite, and has trialled okay since. Give another chance. Euromissile last run was better than it reads and do not dismiss with Purton in the saddle. Sunshine Legendary caught the eye last start when running home well and is on the improve in this grade. Take What You Need can bounce back a winner anytime in this class. Prince Of Bon Bon last run was much better than it looks and watch the betting.

Race 2: Aca Power turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly and he has been racing well enough after a stable change to suggest he can land a win sooner than later. Star Of Yuen Long drops in class here and finds a suitable race. He can run a big race into Class 5. Beauty Nova ran the third fastest sectional time last start and gets the services of Purton. Jack Win had genuine excuses last start when checked and can improve in this race. Wins All had genuine excuses last start when caught wide.

Race 3: Daring Pursuit had genuine excuses last start and consider again. Brave Dreams good performance when storming home for third place last start, and he rarely runs a bad race. Super Wise Dragon looks a solid good chance based on last start, when third on debut. Regency Bo Bo old-timer who is racing in good form and can run well again after a slew of placings. Master Of Luck finished powerfully with fastest sectional time ranking last start and is improving.

Race 4: Multisuper narrowly beaten last start and is ready to win third-up from a low gate and with Purton taking over the reins. Denfield well prepared for debut and is worth considering, he looks wound up and ready to go. Victory Scholars changed stables recently and has improved. He can run a race from his low gate. Super Highway last start winner who retains good form and can run well again. Universal Horizon gelded after his last start and is worth considering, off the back of a quiet trial recently.

Race 5: Horsesain Bolt looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form after two good runs since dropping in class. He draws a low gate for once, which should make all the difference. Owners’ Praise holding form with recent good trial and looks well after two placings on his only two runs to date. Joyful Genius last start winner who rises in class, but Purton sticks with him. Sixth Generation last run suggested a win was very near. D Star had genuine excuses last start and can improve in this race.

Race 6: Fast Buck every chance last start but still ran a good race and he will get his chance again here but in what is a very open race. War Weapon has been knocking on the door and win won’t surprise anyone. Let’s Do It will win in this grade very soon. Sparky Star good performance when storming home for a nice second last start, but that is not uncommon for him. Expect another flashing-light run. Holy Power last start winner who remains in the same grade and might still have more to come.

Race 7: Victory Moments has trialled well for debut on numerous occasions and should be rated a winning chance first-up with Lor and Purton combining from barrier 14 for the straight course. We Are Hero overlook the last start effort as there were genuine excuses. Pleasant Endeavor form is good and must be rated a solid chance. Equaletta Blitz good performance when returning to form last start and may run well again. Metro Warrior well supported last start and won accordingly.

Race 8: Capital Legend impressive last-start winner on debut who remains in the same grade but rises from 1200m to the mile. Barrier 3 should see him map softly. Voyage Bubble nice four-year-old with a good chance here, but this is his first try stretching to the mile. Hava Nageela last run suggested a win was very near. He looks to have good ability and he should relish the switch to turf for the first time in Hong Kong. Secret Vision has been knocking on the door for another win. Straight Arron ran out of condition last start and will be fitter now second-up and should appreciate the rise in trip.

Race 9: Golden Express holding form with recent good trial and looks well-placed to get the win. He just needs some early luck from the wide draw. Dream Pursuer looks a solid good chance based on last start, when a good fourth on debut, and barrier 1 should ensure all chances. Majestic Knight has been placed last two starts and deserves another win soon. Brave Star rising in class and meets better quality horses but can measure up as he appears to have points in hand. Naboo Legend recent barrier trial was good, suggesting an improved run can be expected.

Race 10: Tuchel talented galloper who is resuming from a break but has been trialling very well. If he’s sound and fit enough, he can continue his winning ways. Beauty Live narrowly beaten last start and goes close here again. A Pal form is very good and does little wrong. He’ll give backers another good run for their money. Mr Ascendency fresh up from a break and should run well. Captain Win generally gets back in the running but dashes strongly home, but a low draw for once could see him handier.