Frankie Lor launches two-pronged attack on Thursday’s Year Of The Horse Cup

Trainer Frankie Lor, fresh from celebrating his 60th birthday with a double at Sha Tin on Saturday (14 February), is aiming to continue his winning momentum at Thursday’s (19 February) Year Of The Horse Raceday.

Lor, himself born in the Year of the Horse, saddles six runners across the 11-race card, with particular focus on his two contenders in the HK$3.12 million Class 2 The Year Of The Horse Cup (1600m) – Regal Gem (119lb) and Voyage Samurai (121lb).

Promising four-year-old Regal Gem narrowly missed out on the overall DBS x Manulife Million Challenge title, finishing fourth in a Class 2 1200m contest at Happy Valley. Lor has since switched focus to the Four-Year-Old Classic Series, with the HK$26 million 149th BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) on 22 March shaping as a possible target.

Lor explained: “Regal Gem will not run in the Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m), but if the opportunity arises, the owners would like to try and run in the Derby. The Year Of The Horse Cup over 1600m is a good stepping stone, and if he runs well, he may go straight to the Derby.

“He’s raced a mile once before at Happy Valley, but circumstances were against him – he sat outside the leader without cover from a wide gate, yet wasn’t beaten far. His recent 1200m run suggests he now needs more ground and I believe he can stay further. Hopefully he finds cover this time.”

Regular rider Derek Leung will switch to Voyage Samurai, while Alexis Badel takes the reins on Regal Gem.

Lor said: “Derek knows Voyage Samurai very well and will ride him again. I was pleased with his recent trial, and he should be competitive on Thursday. He was scratched last time due to a minor issue, but he’s fully recovered and showed eagerness in his latest trial. He has a big stride, so he’ll likely take the initiative or race closer to the lead."

The Year Of The Horse Cup, run as Race 6 at 3pm, also features Encountered (135lb), Beauty Eternal (130lb), Gorgeous Win (130lb), Packing Angel (125lb), Soleil Fighter (125lb), Talent Ambition (120lb), Stunning Peach (118lb) and Top Dragon (118lb).

Thursday’s (19 February) 11-race Year Of The Horse Raceday at Sha Tin begins at 12.30pm with the Class 5 Kung Hei Handicap (1200m).