Frankie Lor believes the experience gained from defeating seasoned opposition in the G3 Centenary Vase Handicap (1800m) in February will assist Numbers when the four-year-old takes on some of the world’s best horses in the HK$30 million G1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m) on FWD Champions Day (Sunday, 26 April) at Sha Tin.

Numbers didn’t lack Group race experience in Australia pre-import – racing three times in Group 1s, twice in Group 2s and once in Group 3, but these all came in age-restricted contests as a three-year-old. The Tivaci gelding ran well in Group 1s Down Under, with a second in the G1 Queensland Derby (2400m) arguably his best performance.

Since arriving in Hong Kong, Numbers has been consistent, scoring twice, including the Centenary Vase three starts back. Last time he attempted to make all from draw 13, and was just beaten by Invincible Ibis in the BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) to finish second.

Lor said: “He will face the toughest challenge this time as Romantic Warrior will be hard to beat. But we will try our best and hope that we can win some prizemoney. His experiences when beating an older group of runners in the Centenary Vase earlier this season will definitely be a big help.

“The horse doesn’t need to lead and the key is to relax him more in the race. In his latest barrier trial, he worked with ear plugs, with the purpose to see if this will make him more relaxed. I was pleased with that trial performance as he settled well, but I also found that the ear plugs didn’t help too much. Therefore, we will not use that gear.”

Numbers exercised on the dirt this morning (Monday, 20 April), clocking 54s (29.7s, 24.3s) under big-race jockey Derek Leung, and Lor was pleased with the horse’s effort. The trainer will arrange for Numbers to have another serious workout this Thursday (23 April).

“He has been well prepared for the race,” he said. “I would love to see a fast pace. Indeed, the faster, the better as it will be easier to settle him more in the race. Of course, a good draw will be a big plus, too, as in his recent two starts, the race circumstances were against him. Hopefully, he will run another good race for us.”

Lor tasted his first FWD Champions Day success in 2020 when Mr Stunning took top honours in the G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m). This season, his major wins include Stormy Grove’s victory in the Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) last month.

In addition to Numbers and Romantic Warrior, other runners in this year’s FWD QEII Cup are Masquerade Ball, Royal Champion, Sosie, Giovanni, June Take and Rubylot.

Photo: HKJC