Stormy Grove will take another important step towards a possible appearance in the 2026 LONGINES Hong Kong International Races when the five-year-old returns to 1600 metres in Monday’s HK$5.35 million G2 Sha Tin Trophy Handicap at Sha Tin on 19 October. Trainer Frankie Lor was encouraged by the gelding’s first-up performance and believes the race could provide a clearer indication of his readiness for the challenges ahead.
The five-year-old finished third behind Invincible Ibis in the G3 Celebration Cup Handicap over 1400 metres at Sha Tin on 27 September, making a promising return after four months away from competition. Having recovered from a setback that ended his previous campaign in May, Stormy Grove showed enough in that performance to give Lor confidence as the season progresses.
Stormy Grove enjoyed a productive campaign last season, winning the Hong Kong Classic Cup over 1800 metres before finishing third behind Invincible Ibis in the Hong Kong Derby over 2000 metres in March. Those performances established the gelding as a contender to follow, and his connections will now look to build his form towards the major international meeting in December.
Stormy Grove’s Sha Tin Trophy Run Could Shape Hong Kong Mile Bid
Lor believes the mile will suit Stormy Grove better than the shorter trip he faced on his return. The trainer is also mindful that the gelding needs to improve his rating to strengthen his prospects of gaining a place in the international contests.
The trainer explained that Stormy Grove had only one barrier trial before resuming, following the setback earlier in the year. His preparation was deliberately measured, with plenty of slow work before the trial, and the gelding improved sufficiently to finish third first-up.
Derek Leung, who has partnered Stormy Grove in trackwork, will take the ride on Monday. Another gallop scheduled for Friday, 16 October, will help complete preparations for the Sha Tin Trophy.
Lor has also outlined a possible route beyond Monday’s race. Stormy Grove is expected to contest the G2 BOCHK Private Wealth Jockey Club Mile over 1600 metres in November. A strong performance and a suitable rating could then put him on course for the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile in December, rather than the 2000-metre Hong Kong Cup.
Strong Opposition Awaits at Sha Tin
Stormy Grove will carry 115lb and break from barrier eight in a competitive field that includes Voyage Bubble, assigned 135lb, and My Wish on 131lb. Other leading contenders include Helios Express and Invincible Ibis, both on 125lb, while Beauty Joy will carry 121lb.
Patch Of Theta has been allotted 116lb, with Light Years Charm, Soleil Fighter, Sky Jewellery, Sagacious Life and Winning Wing all carrying 115lb. The combination of established performers and lightly weighted rivals should provide Stormy Grove with a useful test over the mile.
Voyage Bubble will be ridden by Jerry Chau, who recorded a double at Happy Valley on Wednesday, 14 October. Chau acknowledged the challenge of carrying top weight against rivals receiving a significant weight allowance, while expressing hope that a run of improving opportunities would help him build on his current season.
Chau has eight wins this season, with Zac Purton leading the standings on 20. Vincent Ho, Derek Leung and Nichola Yuen have each recorded 10 victories.
Salon S Also Progresses Towards Four-Year-Old Series
Lor will also be keeping a close watch on Salon S, who will make his second appearance of the campaign in the Class 3 Wo Che Handicap over 1400 metres. Matthew Poon will partner the youngster, whose longer-term target is the Four-Year-Old Classic Series, beginning with the HK$14 million Hong Kong Classic Mile over 1600 metres on 31 January.
Salon S ended last season with four consecutive victories and has since risen to a rating of 85. Lor was encouraged by the horse’s latest performance, particularly his response to being asked to settle behind other runners.
The trainer believes Salon S has become more relaxed compared with last season, making the mile a reasonable next step. However, his suitability for 1800 metres and 2000 metres remains to be established. Baby Sakura, another prospective Four-Year-Old Classic Series contender, will oppose him in the Wo Che Handicap.
Monday’s 11-race meeting at Sha Tin will begin at 12.30pm with the Class 5 Shek Mun Handicap over 1800 metres. For Stormy Grove, the Sha Tin Trophy represents a significant opportunity to build on his encouraging comeback and strengthen his case for a place among December’s leading international mile contenders.
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