Lor says Numbers tactics may change in Hong Kong G1
Frankie Lor is optimistic that implementing new tactics for Numbers can help the Hong Kong Derby (2000m) runner-up go to another level in Sunday’s HK$13 million Group 1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2400m) at Sha Tin.
Aiming to unlock more of the bull-headed four-year-old’s potential, Lor is hopeful the gelding, whose bodyweight exceeds 1,200lb, doesn’t always have to race at the head of the field and that an alternative racing pattern could add another layer to his development.
“I’ve always thought that we should try to follow one horse and see if he can do it or not instead of always leading. Danny Shum has Romantic Thor, who might go forward and lead, and if he does that then we can sit second,” Lor said.
“I’ve seen his form in Australia, and he could sit second, third or fourth, but still, you can see the jockeys are always trying to control him because he pulls a lot.”
Numbers’ on-pace pattern has been rewarded twice in Hong Kong, including in February’s Group 3 Centenary Vase Handicap (1800m). The 103-rater rises to 2400m for the third time on Sunday after he was fifth in the 2025 Group 1 Australian Derby and second in the 2025 Group 1 Queensland Derby for trainers John O’Shea & Tom Charlton pre-import.
“On the ‘A Course’ at Sha Tin, it’s harder for front-runners. I’d like to see what happens if he can sit second,” Lor said.
Numbers galloped on turf at Sha Tin in 1m 20.1s (28.6, 27.1, 24.4) for 1200m on Tuesday morning.
Romantic Thor is owned and trained by the same connections as Romantic Warrior. The Justify gelding landed the Group 3 Queen Mother Memorial Cup Handicap (2400m) from the front against two of Sunday’s rivals, Gentlemen Legacy and Winning Wing, on May 3.
Most recently, Numbers was seventh on FWD Champions Day (April 26) in the HK$30 million Group 1 QEII Cup (2000m) behind Romantic Warrior, who is bidding to join River Verdon (1993/94) and Voyage Bubble last season as the third Hong Kong Triple Crown winner.
“Last time he faced Group 1 horses, but I think he will learn from that race and improve. He’s doing okay,” Lor said.
Cap Ferrat, Ka Ying Generation, Deep Monster and Rousham Park also feature on Sunday.
Looking to the season’s 73rd fixture on Wednesday night at Happy Valley, Lor is represented by Bottomuptogether (135lb) and Regal Gem (120lb) in the competitive card-closing HK$2.84 million Class 2 Thistle Handicap (1200m).
Regal Gem was a well-defeated 11th in the HK$26 million BMW Hong Kong Derby in March and returns to a course and distance where he is a three-time winner. The 12 runners in the red-hot finale have won a combined 27 races this season.
“He looked good in his trial at Conghua (first place in 1m 12.16s, 1400m). He had a little freshen up. I hope he can run a good race for me,” Lor said.
Angus Chung reunites with debut winner Tycoon Resources (134lb) in the Class 4 Challenge Trophy Handicap (1000m) for trainer Tony Cruz. Raced by Elaine Chan, the three-year-old scored by half a length first-up on April 8 at the city circuit.
“It was impressive. The time (56.48s) was impressive as well. We’ve done two trials after his first race and I’m very happy with his progress,” Chung said.
Wednesday’s (May 20) nine-race fixture at Happy Valley begins at 6.40pm with the Class 5 Celosia Handicap (1000m).
