Numbers emerges as Classic Series force after Centenary Vase romp
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By Paul Ryding
Numbers firmly advanced his credentials for the remainder of the Hong Kong Four-Year-Old Classic Series with a commanding victory in Sunday’s (8 February) G3 Centenary Vase Handicap (1800m) at Sha Tin.
The Frankie Lor-trained galloper dominated his six rivals, each with a Group-level winning profile, as he led from start-to-finish on his way to a two-length victory in the HK$4.2 million contest.
The Tivaci gelding went off a strong $1.7 favourite on the strength of an eye-catching front-running victory in December, his first in Hong Kong. The handicapper gave him eight points for that, but Numbers (117lb) still went off from the foot of the weights against a more experienced field.
From barrier two, he was worked to the head of the field by Derek Leung and enjoyed a rail-hugging passage half a length in front of Andrea Atzeni on Ensued (125lb) to the bend. As they entered the straight, a group headed by Chancheng Glory under Zac Purton moved to his shoulder to briefly offer resistance, before Leung shook up the four-year-old and opened a gap on his pursuers. Speed Dragon (126lb), ridden by Lyle Hewitson, improved to take second, with Karis Teetan and Encountered (126lb) finishing third.
“He was still a bit nervous in the gates, but he did a good job,” Leung said. “He handled himself pretty good. After he relaxed, I started to pick up at the 800m. He listened to me, and he made my job pretty easy.”
Leung said his tactical versatility makes Numbers a major threat for the BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) on 22 March.
“He can lead, or if someone’s going faster than him, he can be second or third – just whatever he wants to be,” Leung said. “He loves to chase a horse. So, it doesn’t matter … he loves the challenge.”
The second leg of the Four-Year-Old Classic Series is the Hong Kong Classic Cup on 1 March, and on this evidence, Numbers will take some beating as the Series extends to 1800 metres and beyond. His last act in Australia pre-import was a spirited second in the G1 Queensland Derby over 2400m. Trainer Lor said he was confident.
“I have a lot of hope. You can see in Australia he already has form over 2400m, so I don’t think there will be any problems and we’ll just go for it,” he said.