Sha Tin Racecourse will stage the HK$4.2 million G3 Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse Handicap (1800m) on Sunday, November 8, with Massive Sovereign and Numbers set to lead trainer Frankie Lor’s two-horse challenge. The Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse will provide both runners with an important opportunity to strengthen their prospects of securing places in the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races (HKIR) on December 13.
Zac Purton will partner Massive Sovereign, while Derek Leung will take the ride aboard Numbers. Both horses will use Sunday’s 1800m contest as part of their preparations for the prestigious international meeting at Sha Tin.
The 2024 Hong Kong Derby (2000m) winner, Massive Sovereign will enter the contest following a return to winning form last month. The six-year-old Irish import will look to build on that success after overcoming a spell on the sidelines because of leg injuries.
Lor will draw encouragement from the gelding’s recent preparation. Purton partnered Massive Sovereign in trackwork on October 26 for the first time this season and provided positive feedback, reporting improvements compared with the previous campaign.
The trainer will hope the six-year-old can secure back-to-back victories and strengthen his position for international selection. Currently rated 102, Massive Sovereign will likely require a further ratings rise to earn a place in the LONGINES HKIR field.
A strong performance in the Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse will put the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m) within reach. If he fails to secure sufficient rating points for selection, Lor will consider an alternative route through the G2 BOCHK Jockey Club Cup (2000m) later in November.
Lor will also expect a demanding Hong Kong Cup challenge, with a strong overseas contingent anticipated despite the retirement of Romantic Warrior. The HK$40 million contest will remain a competitive assignment for the leading middle-distance horses.
Meanwhile, Numbers will also enter the Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse in encouraging condition. The winner of last season’s G3 Centenary Vase Handicap (1800m) will make his seasonal debut as he begins his campaign towards the December international meeting.
Lor will look for a strong performance following satisfactory recent trackwork. Numbers will then progress to the G2 BOCHK Jockey Club Cup, with Leung expected to continue as his regular jockey.
The entries will also include Beauty Joy, Sky Jewellery, Soleil Fighter, Ensued, Speed Dragon, Gentlemen Legacy, Le Zonda, Silvery Breeze, Romantic Thor, Californiatotality and Stunning Peach, adding further depth to Sunday’s contest.
Massive Sovereign and Numbers will spearhead Frankie Lor’s challenge in the Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse at Sha Tin on November 8, with both horses targeting places in the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races.
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