Francis Lui struggles to split five-strong team in Classic Cup: ‘it's hard to say'

South China Morning Post

01-03-2025

Trainer Francis Lui and jockey Tom Marquand will team up with Divano in Sunday's Classic Cup. Photos: Kenneth Chan
Francis Lui Kin-wai can't split his five runners in Sunday's Classic Cup (1,800m) as the reigning champion trainer prepares an all-out assault on the second leg of the four-year-old series.
Lui will be the first handler to have five Classic Cup starters since John Moore, who achieved the feat in 2012 when he won with Zaidan and in 2014 when Designs On Rome led home a trifecta for him.
While Lui boasts over a third of the 14-horse field, this year's Classic Cup looms as one of the most open in years.
Packing Angel is viewed as perhaps the veteran handler's top contender, coming off three consecutive victories, while Divano is fresh from a staggering run in the Classic Mile when storming home from last to run a close second to My Wish.
Packing Hermod had every chance in the Classic Mile but finished third as favourite. Cap Ferrat was trapped wide throughout in the same race and is capable of bouncing back, while Steps Ahead rounds out Lui's squad after scoring at the course and distance last start.
'It's hard to say because they all keep improving after every run. They've all got a chance,' said Lui, who won the race with champion galloper Golden Sixty in 2020 and Hello Pretty in 2006.
Lui will utilise four of the overseas jockeys who are in town for the Sha Tin meeting on Sunday, headlined by Brazilian star Joao Moreira aboard Packing Angel.
The son of Melbourne Cup (3,200m) winner Shocking has burst onto the scene with three strong wins, but quickly rises from 1,400m to 1,800m at start seven.
Lui is hoping Moreira weaves his magic and secures a clear run in the straight after Packing Angel drew the inside gate.
'I can't say it's the best draw because sometimes they can get stuck inside, but it's better than drawing out wide,' he said.
'In his last two runs, he drew out wide and got a fast enough pace for him to travel comfortably. This time, the field is more open so that's why I would say the inside draw is better than outside.'
Blake Shinn made the intriguing call to hop off Divano to ride Packing Hermod, with Briton Tom Marquand replacing him on the former.
Classy as! 👏
My Wish staves off challengers to capture the first #4YOSeries leg - the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile - with @LukeFerraris for Mark Newnham... #LoveRacing | #HKracing pic.twitter.com/Zl6reIm7X3 — HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) January 31, 2025
Divano has drawn wide in barrier 11 while Packing Hermod has also drawn out in 13.
'I hope Divano can run well again,' Lui said. 'He's the kind of horse that has to relax in the early part, then he has a good turn of foot in the straight.
'Packing Hermod is in good form, he just needs time to accelerate in the straight.'
Craig Williams will ride Cap Ferrat, who faded to run 12th in the Classic Mile after a tough run throughout.
Second behind Classic Cup rival Mickley on his only other Hong Kong start, Cap Ferrat has also been dealt a double-figure draw in 10.
However, he should relish the rise in trip after placings in the Group Three Gloaming Stakes (1,800m), Group One Spring Champion Stakes (2,000m) and Group One Rosehill Guineas (2,000m) in Australia pre-import.
'He was wide all the way,' Lui said of Cap Ferrat's last start.
'According to his form in Australia, he's a Classic Series horse, but he's only had two runs here. I hope he can run well.'
Steps Ahead might be rated the lowest of Lui's team, but he has been a model of consistency with two wins and two seconds this term.
'He's an honest horse. It's hard to know his quality, but we take it step by step,' Lui said.
Lyle Hewitson will ride Steps Ahead, who has drawn barrier six.