Frankie Lor two-pronged in Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup
Frankie Lor will saddle Money Catcher and Sword Point against the might of Romantic Warrior in Sunday’s HK$13 million Group 1 Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin.
The Triple Crown’s second leg features 11 runners, including Voyage Bubble, winner of the first leg – the HK$13 million Group 1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m).
Romantic Warrior heads the declarations and is chasing a sixth Group 1 crown from the widest barrier.
Money Catcher and Sword Point return aiming to recapture their best form, with the front-running Money Catcher drawing gate 10. Sword Point breaks from post five.
“He’s (Money Catcher) a one-paced horse but he’s always consistent. Luke Ferraris rides him and he looks good in trackwork. We’ll see what happens,” Lor said.
Money Catcher hasn’t quite reproduced his heroics from last season which returned two Group 3 wins and a pair of Group 1 placings.
He’s managed only one top-three finish from six runs, finishing third in the HK$5.35 million Group 2 BOCHK Jockey Club Cup (2000m) behind Straight Arron, while Sword Point produced a career-high when second in that same race.
“He (Sword Point) looks like he can improve but not too much. Maybe a little bit, 2000 metres is suitable for him and Lyle Hewitson rides him,” Lor said.
Each runner in the Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup carries 126lb. Voyage Bubble drew barrier seven with Zac Purton, while Straight Arron goes from stall six under Hugh Bowman.
The HK$13 million Group 1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2400m) in May is the third and final leg of the Triple Crown.
River Verdon (1994) is the only Triple Crown winner in Hong Kong racing history.
Beauty Joy, Encountered, Nimble Nimbus, Senor Toba, Five G Patch and Champion Dragon round out the Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup field.
Now in the second half of the 2023/24 racing season, former Hong Kong Champion Trainer (2021/22) Lor is expecting improvement from his yard as the campaign progresses.
“So far, so good. It’s been not too bad this season but some horses have injuries and temperatures, so it’s hard to say, I hope over the next few months it should get better,” he said.
Lor has a team of seven engaged this weekend as he aims to enhance his 24 wins this campaign, including sparkling debut winner Illuminous in the Class 3 Citi Investment Services Handicap (1400m) with Karis Teetan up.
“I’m looking towards the Derby and hopefully, he’ll get a higher rating. At the moment he is only rated 71, so I need to race him two times at least and see if he can win. If he can, maybe we can look forward to the Derby,” Lor said.
The HK$26 million 147th Hong Kong Derby (2000m) is run on 24 March.
Benno Yung has last-start winner Ace Victory lining up in the Class 3 Citi Mortgage Services Handicap (1200m) with Jerry Chau booked to ride.
The five-year-old rises in grade and steps away from barrier 10.
“He dropped to Class 4 and the field was a bit weak. It’ll be a big challenge for him back up in grade,” Yung said.
Fun Together takes aim at Illuminous in the finale for Yung, who hopes the three-time winner this season has further scope to ascend. Chau remains aboard the 70-rater.
“I think his form is still pretty good and he is improving. He’s a nice horse,” he said.
Following her win at Happy Valley on Wednesday night, trainer Pierre Ng is eyeing more success in the upper grades with Bon’s A Pearla.
“It was a nice win. With a lighter weight on her she can really sprint home well, it wasn’t top weight – last time it was and that was a bit difficult for her. I’m looking forward to running her in Class 2 with a light weight – she’ll be very competitive there,” he said.
Ng has eight runners declared at Sha Tin on Sunday, including Frantanck in the Class 3 Citi Insurance Services Handicap (1600m) who jumps from barrier one.
“He’s very consistent but he’s sort of one-paced and he’s hard to get in front. Angus Chung rides this time and we’ll keep rolling him to the front,” Ng said.
Jumbo Fortune represents the stable aiming for a second win through 2023/24.
“He’s racing well. He ran well last start, he finished off to get within two lengths of the winner last time out. 1400 metres and a light weight – he will be competitive,” Ng said.
Antoine Hamelin rides Jumbo Fortune from gate seven this weekend.