This Sunday (November 8), Sha Tin Racecourse will stage the Group 3 Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse (1800m Handicap), carrying total prize money of HK$4.2 million. Trainer Frankie Lor will launch a two-pronged attack in the feature event, fielding two of his stable’s high-class gallopers, Massive Sovereign and Digital Astro. The riding arrangements for both horses have been finalised, with Zac Purton taking the reins on Massive Sovereign and Derek Leung continuing his partnership with Digital Astro. Both horses are aiming towards the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races to be held on December 13.
As the 2024 BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) winner, the six-year-old Irish import Massive Sovereign was briefly sidelined due to injury. However, the gelding has regained his top form this season, securing his first victory since the Derby in his latest outing, much to the delight of his connections. “We are thrilled to see him bounce back,” said Lor. “He is a high-quality horse with great fighting spirit; his progress was merely hindered by the setback.”
Lor revealed that Purton gave Massive Sovereign his first gallop of the season last Monday (October 26). Having also ridden the horse in trackwork last season, Purton’s feedback after the morning workout was highly positive, noting that the horse’s trackwork performance this season is far superior to his efforts last term. “I am also very satisfied with Massive Sovereign’s recent trackwork,” Lor added. “I hope he can build on his last-start win and make it back-to-back victories this Sunday.”
Massive Sovereign currently sits on a rating of 102. To secure a spot in the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races, his rating will likely need to rise further. Lor noted that if the horse runs well in the Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse and his rating becomes high enough for selection, they will head straight to the Group 1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m). Otherwise, they will consider running him in the Group 2 BOCHK Jockey Club Cup (2000m) later this month to chase the required points. Lor also expressed his hope that Purton will retain the ride on Massive Sovereign for the International Races.
Although Romantic Warrior, the winner of the last four editions of the LONGINES Hong Kong Cup, has retired, Lor knows the HK$40 million showpiece remains a formidable challenge. “This year’s Hong Kong Cup is still a massive test, as I expect the overseas contingent to be extremely strong,” he admitted.
Meanwhile, Lor is equally pleased with the condition of his other Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse contender, Digital Astro. The winner of last season’s Group 3 Centenary Vase (1800m) will make his seasonal reappearance this Sunday as a warm-up for the International Races. “Digital Astro has also been moving very well in his recent trackwork,” Lor said. “Hopefully, he can deliver a strong performance on Sunday. After this weekend, he will head to the BOCHK Jockey Club Cup, where Derek Leung will remain in the saddle.”
Alongside Massive Sovereign and Digital Astro, this year’s Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse boasts a stellar entry list, featuring the likes of Beauty Joy, Master Sky, Solar Warrior, Ensued, Speed Dragon, Noble Pursuit, Son of Aurora, Silver Express, Romantic Fighter, California Action, and Peach Blossom.
Source: HKJC