Massive Sovereign bids for G3 Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse success in pursuit of LONGINES HKIR berth

Trainer Frankie Lor will mount a two-pronged attack on the HK$4.2 million G3 Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse Handicap (1800m) at Sha Tin on Sunday (8 November) with Massive Sovereign and Numbers.

Zac Purton will partner Massive Sovereign, while Derek Leung takes the ride aboard Numbers. Both horses are being aimed at the HK$130 million LONGINES Hong Kong International Races (HKIR), which will be staged at Sha Tin on Sunday, 13 December.

Winner of the 2024 Hong Kong Derby (2000m), Massive Sovereign took time to rediscover his best form after being sidelined by leg injuries. The six-year-old Irish import returned to winning ways last month, delighting his connections.

“We were very pleased to see him win again,” Lor said. “He is a horse with quality and a fighting spirit. Injuries have simply interrupted his progress.

“(Zac) Purton rode him in work last Monday (26 October) for the first time this season and gave me very positive feedback. He used to work the horse for me last season and told me that, compared to last campaign, the horse is performing much better.

“I am also pleased with his recent trackwork as he looks to be in great shape. Hopefully he can build on his last-start success and put together back-to-back wins,” Lor added.

Currently rated 102, Massive Sovereign will likely require a further ratings rise to secure a start at the LONGINES HKIR.

“If he runs well in the Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse and earns sufficient rating points to be selected for the LONGINES HKIR, he will go straight to the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m),” Lor said. “Otherwise, we will consider running him in the G2 BOCHK Jockey Club Cup (2000m) later this month.

“I expect Purton will remain committed to him for the HKIR and, hopefully, he will still be available then.”

Despite the retirement of Romantic Warrior, Lor said this year’s HK$40 million LONGINES Hong Kong Cup remains highly competitive.

“I believe this year’s LONGINES Hong Kong Cup will be a very tough challenge because I expect a strong overseas contingent,” he said.

Meanwhile, Lor is also satisfied with the condition of Numbers heading into the Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse.

The winner of last season’s G3 Centenary Vase Handicap (1800m), Numbers will make his seasonal debut on Sunday as he builds towards the LONGINES HKIR.

“Numbers has been working well in his recent trackwork and I hope he can perform strongly on Sunday,” Lor said. “He will then progress to the G2 BOCHK Jockey Club Cup, and Derek Leung will continue as his regular jockey.”

The entries for the Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse also feature Beauty Joy, Sky Jewellery, Soleil Fighter, Ensued, Speed Dragon, Gentlemen Legacy, Le Zonda, Silvery Breeze, Romantic Thor, Californiatotality and Stunning Peach.