Frankie Lor is looking to reprise memories of Furore’s (NZ) (Pierro) 2019 BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) success when Hugh Bowman gets the leg-up on Money Catcher (NZ) (Ferlax) in Sunday’s HK$5 million Gr.2 BOCHK Jockey Club Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin.
“We won the Derby together and I think he is a really good jockey,” Lor said, referring to Bowman.
Lor and Bowman won the 2019 BMW Hong Kong Derby in tandem with Furore, as well as the 2019 Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) with that same horse. Bowman has arrived in Hong Kong to kick off a short-term stint this Sunday after initially being ruled out of Wednesday’s (16 November) fixture at Happy Valley.
Money Catcher won his first race in Hong Kong in the Gr.3 Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse Handicap (1800m) at Sha Tin earlier this month for Lor after snapping an exasperating run of outs, leading from the get-go to win by half a length.
“Finally he won a race, we waited a long time. He’s consistent but he couldn’t win, now he’s won, he should be better,” Lor said.
Money Catcher placed third in the 2022 Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) and 2022 BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) last season and boasts eight minor placings and one win from 13 starts in Hong Kong.
“Stepping up in distance is no problem – 2000 metres is the maximum. He’s a little bit one-paced, so he needs to lead, sit second or third in the run,” Lor said.
Money Catcher placed second twice at Group Two level as Jason Belltree in New Zealand prior to export over 1600m and 2100m. Lor expects his charge to feature in December’s G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m) after Sunday’s contest – should he pass the test.
“If Money Catcher runs well he will go to the Hong Kong Cup, even if he finishes close,” Lor said.
