Lor has the Numbers in Hong Kong Derby

He Jiong

Hong Kong racing roars back to Sha Tin on Sunday with a thrilling 10-race programme headlined by the BMW Hong Kong Derby.

The third leg of the Four-Year-Old Series over 2000m, has attracted a full field of 14 runners, with several contenders holding winning claims in what shapes as a wide-open feature.

The Frankie Lor-trained Numbers is likely to start favourite after setting a strong tempo before finishing fourth in the Classic Cup last time out. He possesses tactical speed and could prove hard to run down with a well-timed ride. However, his stablemate, Stormy Grove, who caused a big upset when they last met, should relish the anticipated fast tempo and looks set to make his presence felt again.

Little Paradise, the Classic Cup favourite, effectively threw the race away with a tardy start but still closed strongly to be beaten only 3.50 lengths. With a clean getaway, he should be highly competitive under Vincent Ho.

Meanwhile, Invincible Ibis and Patch Of Cosmos, who finished second and third in the Classic Cup respectively, are both capable of playing major roles.

Unbeaten three-year-old Hot Delight is primed to complete a hat-trick of wins when he runs in the Class 3 Handicap over 1200m.

Hot Delight overcame the widest draw to score an easy debut victory in Class 4 before delivering an even more impressive performance when stepping up to Class 3 last time out. In contrast to his come-from-behind effort on debut, the son of Top Darn Hot adopted front-running tactics and cruised home in emphatic fashion, putting 2.75 lengths between himself and his nearest rival.

A highly promising type, Hot Delight stands out as the one to beat as he remains in Class 3. However, this may not be a walk in the park, with Cool Boy – a three-time consecutive winner – shaping as a serious threat under champion jockey Zac Purton, although he will need some luck from a wide draw. – iRACE Magazine

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Robot Star has trialled well since his encouraging recent efforts, and looks to have found a highly winnable race. Forza Toro has placed at both starts since dropping to Class 4 and must be considered a strong contender. Flying Boom let down well to score a narrow yet impressive win last time out, and from a low draw, he should get every chance to secure a double. Bucephalas possesses tactical speed and could cause an upset if allowed to cross early from a wide gate. The Absolute boasts a solid record in this class, though the roarer condition remains a concern.

Race 2: Baby Sakura scored an impressive win on debut and, with the jockey suggesting he’s capable of competing in Class 3, a Class 4 double looks within reach. Prestige Hall has been knocking on the door and should be highly competitive with Purton aboard from a decent draw. Daily Acclaim attacked the line strongly late on debut and is open to further improvement second-up. Absolute Heart made all effortlessly in a recent trial and looks one to watch on debut. Spicy Standard a handy type resuming from a break, he should sprint well fresh, but the awkward draw could prove tricky.

Race 3: Circuit Champion appears to be a highly progressive type and looks ideally weighted to continue his strong run despite stepping up to Class 3. City Gold Banner an awkward jump blunted his winning chances last start, and with a clean getaway, he could make amends. Lifeline Express should map well from a low draw and will make his presence under the right race shape. Refusetobeenglish has ability and could cause an upset if things fall his way. Young Emperor with an explosive turn of foot, he will need a genuine tempo to unleash a strong finish.

Race 4: A highly competitive race with several runners holding strong winning claims, Happy Shooter has been in strong form of late and shapes as a leading contender from a good draw. Island Buddy could be hard to run down if allowed an uncontested lead. Gold Patch has shown above-average ability and remains a strong chance, despite the wide draw. Master Lucky produced an encouraging on-pace effort last start and must be respected. Goldentronicmighty a proven performer at this level, he could sneak into the placings at long odds.

Race 5: Gallant Design finished strongly in a slowly run race last start and looks capable of breaking through with a more genuine tempo. Absolute Honour held up at a crucial stage last start and deserves another chance with Purton taking the reins. Aeroinvincible led from start to finish in style last time out and looks poised to go back-to-back, despite a slightly awkward draw. Conrad Patch with his consistent form, he looks capable of securing a double in Class 4 following a tenacious maiden win. All Round Winner performed well in Class 3 last start and should be right in the mix dropping to Class 4.

Race 6: Hot Delight remains unbeaten from two starts, including an easy win on his Class 3 debut last time out, and looks the one to beat. Cool Boy three from four to date, he has trialled well recently and looks primed for a fourth straight win. Star Rise highly suited by the drop back to 1200m and shapes as a value pick against more fancied rivals. Mickley has performed well of late but may settle too far back from the wide draw. Pakistan Legacy overcame a wide draw to make all last start, though aided by a slow tempo, and could repeat that performance under similar conditions.

Race 7: Numbers a natural frontrunner, he finished a meritorious fourth in the Classic Cup, and with a more measured ride, should be hard to peg back rising to 2000m. Little Paradise had genuine excuses last start (slow to begin) and will make his presence felt late if he jumps cleanly. Stormy Grove caused a big upset in the Classic Cup and should relish an anticipated genuine tempo to run well again. Invincible Ibis should map well from a low draw and deliver a strong performance if he sees out the 2000m trip. Patch Of Cosmo stormed home for third in the Classic Cup and could represent value against more fancied rivals.

Race 8: Packing Fighter last run was much better than it looks, and with a better draw, he appears well weighted to make amends. Money Catcher this old-timer has regained form this season and must be included among the better chances. Aerodynamics produced a fair effort last start but will need some luck from an awkward draw. Enthralled stormed home for third last time out and should figure in the finish under a light weight. Karma can make his presence felt if the pace suits, but the wide draw and top weight pose a challenge.

Race 9: Amazing Partners overcame a wide trip to complete a Class 4 double last start and remains a strong chance despite step- ping up to Class 3. Super Express has been ultra-consistent and is worth considering if he is not overbet. Aerovolanic scored an impressive win in Class 4 last time out and should run well again from a good draw. Legend Winner should not be overlooked as the drop in distance could spring a surprise. Turin Champions badly held up last start and looks well weighted to finish in the money on his Class 3 debut.

Race 10: Winning Ovation comes off an impressive first-up win, and with added fitness, he’s poised to extend the strong run, despite rising to Class 2. Infinite Resolve will relish the drop in distance and should be right in the mix on his return to Class 2. Drombeg Banner could hang in there all day if allowed to dictate and commands respect. Steps Ahead resuming from a break, he boasts a strong record over this distance and should run well despite the wide gate. Speed Dragon will figure in the finish if he maps closer to the speed from a low draw, though the distance is a touch short of his best.