Trainer Frankie Lor believes the battle-hardened experience gained by Numbers earlier this season could prove invaluable when the progressive four-year-old steps into elite company in Sunday’s HK$30 million Group 1 contest at Sha Tin.
Numbers will line up in the prestigious 2000-metre feature on FWD Champions Day after building an encouraging local record since his arrival in Hong Kong. While the assignment represents a clear rise in class, Lor feels the gelding’s recent education against older rivals has prepared him for the challenge.
The son of Tivaci arrived with strong Australian credentials, having already competed in top-level company as a three-year-old. His best effort came when runner-up in the Queensland Derby over 2400 metres, a performance that marked him as a horse of substance before his transfer.
Since joining the Hong Kong circuit, Numbers has been admirably reliable. He has won twice, notably in the Group 3 Centenary Vase Handicap over 1800 metres in February, where he accounted for seasoned opposition. That form was backed up with an excellent second in the BMW Hong Kong Derby, when he overcame a wide draw before being narrowly denied by Invincible Ibis.
Lor was realistic about the scale of Sunday’s task but optimistic that his charge can give another bold account.
“He will face the toughest challenge this time as Romantic Warrior will be hard to beat,” Lor said. “But we will try our best. His experience when beating an older group of runners in the Centenary Vase earlier this season will definitely be a big help.”
The trainer added that tactics remain flexible, stressing that Numbers does not need to force the pace. A recent barrier trial included an experiment with ear plugs in an effort to help the horse settle more smoothly, though that equipment will not be used on race day.
Numbers completed a dirt exercise gallop on Monday under Derek Leung, returning solid sectional times, and Lor confirmed another searching workout is planned later this week as final preparations continue.
“He has been well prepared for the race,” said Lor. “I would love to see a fast pace. The faster, the better, as it will be easier to settle him. A good draw will also be a big plus, because in his recent two starts the circumstances were against him.”
Lor already has fond memories of Champions Day, having celebrated his first success at the meeting in 2020 when Mr Stunning landed the Chairman’s Sprint Prize. This season, he has also enjoyed a notable feature-race victory with Stormy Grove in the Hong Kong Classic Cup.
Sunday’s QEII Cup promises an international clash of quality. Alongside Numbers and star attraction Romantic Warrior, the field is set to include Masquerade Ball, Royal Champion, Sosie, Giovanni, June Take and Rubylot.
For Numbers, it is the sternest examination yet — but one his trainer believes may come at exactly the right moment.
For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to racebuzz