Frankie Lor Optimistic About Key Runners for Sha Tin Races

Frankie Lor is hoping a return to the 1,000m trip can pay dividends for Bottomuptogether when he lines up in Saturday’s Class One Pearce Memorial Challenge Cup at Sha Tin.

The Shamus Award galloper has proven remarkably versatile in his career to date, winning races at Happy Valley and both surfaces at Sha Tin, and added to his tally with a gutsy win at the city circuit two starts ago.

He followed that up with a good third to Victor The Winner – again at Happy Valley – last time and now returns to a course and distance he was successful over on his first two career starts as a youngster.

His cause is aided by Britney Wong Po-ni’s 7lb claim, but a draw in barrier three will make life tricky for him.

“This time I’ve put Britney Wong on board to take off the 7lb to see how much that helps with the weight,” Lor said. “He’s won two times over the 1,000m trip so I think he can show his best.

“He’s a fast horse, but I don’t mind him following a leader. When he won last time, he just followed through in midfield and still won, so I don’t think it matters to him.

“I don’t think it matters where I race him, whether it’s Happy Valley or Sha Tin – he’s very versatile already.

“I put Britney on him for his trial and just asked them to settle and relax him, and it was a very good trial.”

Lor also unleashes two runners in Saturday’s Class Three Beas River Handicap (1,650m), with veteran Sword Point and the in-form Run Run Smart representing the stable.

It is a first dirt start for Run Run Smart, who has won on three occasions this campaign, most recently when making all the running at Sha Tin.

He was only gunned down by impressive winner Chill Easy last start and Lor is buoyed by some smart dirt trials.

“Britney will just let him jump. It’s his first try of 1,650m, but he always trials good when we put him on the dirt so we shall see. With a light weight, I don’t think the distance will be a problem for him,” Lor said.

At the age of seven, Sword Point is certainly long in the tooth and has dropped 30lb in the ratings this campaign, but Lor is hoping a strong pace set by his other runner could get him into play.

“1,650m is probably a bit short for him now, but hopefully he can show his best. I hope he can concentrate a bit more and follow the pace,” Lor said.

Lor is also looking forward to the claims of Enjoy Golf, a winner two starts ago who heads for the first section of the Class Four Lam Tsuen River Handicap (1,200m).

A return to Class Four is no help, but he was third in the grade last start and Nichola Yuen Hang-yiu’s claim could prove pivotal to his chances.

“I’ve put Nichola on board and that takes his weight down to 111lb, which I hope can help him. He will go forward and has a good chance,” Lor said.

On a busy day for the stable, Lor also runs Massive Glory, Never Peter Out, Embrace Aberdeen and Grit Spirit.