Frankie Lor is confident Regal Gem (120lb) can continue his winning run when he takes his place in Tuesday’s (23 December) HK$3.12 million Class 2 Neptune Handicap (1650m) at Happy Valley, though the emerging three-year-old will need to rise to a new challenge against seasoned opposition over an unfamiliar distance.
The Zoustar runner has yet to compete beyond 1400 metres in Hong Kong. Prior to import, he showed ability in Great Britain, scoring twice as a two-year-old with victories at Pontefract and Haydock. His European campaign concluded with a fifth-place finish in Group 3 company at the Curragh in July 2024.
Now holding a rating of 83, Regal Gem has been a consistent performer at Happy Valley, recording three wins at the circuit, including successive Class 3 victories this season, from eight starts in Hong Kong. Those efforts have lifted him to joint-leadership of the 2025/26 DBS x Manulife Million Challenge on 36 points alongside King Miles. Success on Tuesday would add a valuable 15 points with the series concluding on 4 February 2026.
Lor said the gelding’s current form justified the step into Class 2, despite the distance presenting a new test. With Derek Leung unavailable due to suspension, Zac Purton takes over the ride.
“His form is good. We’ve changed jockeys because Derek Leung is suspended, so I’ve put Zac Purton on. It’s his first time racing over 1650 metres because there are no other races for him in Class 2 – so we need to try,” Lor said.
“He might be able to manage the distance at Happy Valley. 1400 metres would be no problem, but in this race, the speed should be strong, so it should suit him.”
Approaching the 500-win milestone in Hong Kong, Lor will saddle nine runners across the card. Regal Gem, raced by the Everest Syndicate, remains eligible for the Four-Year-Old Classic Series, which commences on 1 February with the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m), should his connections elect to pursue that path.
Symbol Of Strength (130lb), another runner nearing four years of age from the Lor stable, competes in the Class 3 Uranus Handicap (1200m). The Irish-bred runner is still searching for his first Hong Kong win after four appearances.
“He ran well in his last two starts at Happy Valley and his form is solid, but last time he was trapped on the inside with no room. James Orman rides him this time,” Lor said.
Money Catcher (121lb), a dual Group 3 winner trained by Lor, lines up in the Class 3 Saturn Handicap (2200m). The experienced campaigner has amassed HK$20.72 million from 47 starts in Hong Kong and has finished placed twice at Group 1 level.
“I always try to earn prize money for the owner, and his form is good,” Lor said.
Pierre Ng is represented in the Neptune Handicap by I Can (115lb), a four-time winner rated 78. The runner scored three starts ago over the same course and distance.
“He was a little unlucky last start with the slow tempo and was too far back, but he closed strongly and recorded some good sectionals,” Ng said.
“We’re giving him a chance this week because he carries a light weight. He should finish well with the right run. Matthew Poon rides him.”
Ng also confirmed that Galaxy Patch is scheduled to return on 25 January in the HK$13 million Group 1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m), the opening leg of the Triple Crown, after finishing fifth in the HK$36 million Group 1 Hong Kong Mile on 14 December behind Voyage Bubble.
“He ran okay. He’s come through the race well and we’ll head to the Stewards’ Cup – so we’ll be up against Voyage Bubble and Romantic Warrior. It’s a strong race. If he runs his race, hopefully he can earn some prize money. We’ll keep him happy and see how he goes,” Ng said.
David Hayes also fields a contender in the Neptune Handicap with Soleil Fighter (126lb). A three-time winner at Happy Valley last season, the 89-rated runner finished second to Hong Lok Golf at Sha Tin last month.
“He probably produced a career-best performance the other day. He was only beaten by a quality horse, and I think he’s very effective at the Valley,” Hayes said.
Tuesday’s (23 December) nine-race Happy Valley programme begins at 6.40pm with the Class 5 Mercury Handicap over 1200 metres.
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