Lor backs Happy Together to take advantage of weight drop in Centenary Vase
Veteran handler rates consistent galloper 'a better chance this time' in Group Three feature on Lunar New Year card
by Jay Rooney on Thursday, January 30, 2025 2:31 PM Alexis Badel guides Happy Together to victory in last year's January Cup. Photos: Kenneth Chan
Happy Together was brave in defeat under top weight last start and Frankie Lor Fu-chuen believes the consistent galloper gets an even better chance to strike in Friday's Group Three Centenary Vase (1,800m) at Sha Tin.
Defending his Group Three January Cup (1,800m) crown at Happy Valley on January 8, Happy Together stormed home from near last under 135 pounds to fall half a length short of winner Helene Feeling when a game second.
The six-year-old had trouble securing a clear run around the home turn when improving into a narrow gap between Star Contact and Helene Feeling, adding further merit to his performance.
Despite remaining towards the top of the weights off a mark of 111, Happy Together drops four pounds with the inclusion of the 115-rated Straight Arron in the HK$4.2 million feature. — HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) January 8, 2025
'I think he has a better chance this time because he doesn't have to carry 135,' Lor said.
'He still has 131, but I think the horse still has a bit of improvement in him and I think this will be his best season. I think he will run a good race.'
A revelation since joining Lor's stable in 2023, Happy Together has racked up five wins and raced with distinction at the highest level.
The former Irish galloper was a solid fourth to Romantic Warrior in last term's Group One QE II Cup (2,000m) and fifth, promoted from sixth on objection, behind Voyage Bubble in December's Group One Hong Kong Mile.
He had excuses when a beaten $3.2 favourite in last year's Centenary Vase, finishing seventh behind Nimble Nimbus, who chases back-to-back successes in the race on Friday.
The field of 11 also features Lor's dual dirt winner Sword Point, Chancheng Glory, Ensued, La City Blanche, Five G Patch, Encountered, Hong Kong Derby prospect Stunning Peach and Winning Dragon.
Sword Point returns to the turf after his second all-weather triumph from as many starts on the surface, which prompted Lor to enter him for the Group One Dubai World Cup (2,000m) and Group Two Godolphin Mile on dirt in April.
'It won't be easy for him on the turf and he needs to carry 131, but I think he can still go close,' Lor said.
'There aren't many dirt races for him and I've entered him for Dubai, but at this moment I haven't heard any reply from them yet.'
Lor will be represented in Friday's Classic Mile by Top Gun, who will be ridden by top Australian jockey Jamie Melham.
'He's not really one of the leading chances at the moment, but maybe a change in jockey will bring out some improvement,' Lor said of the Time Test gelding, who has won once from eight Hong Kong starts.
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