Frankie Lor concedes a significant rise in the handicap ratings leaves Money Catcher with a difficult challenge when the gelding attempts to post consecutive wins in the HK$4.2 million G3 Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse Handicap (1800m) at Sha Tin on Sunday (5 November).
Money Catcher carried only 115lb last season in downing Beauty Joy (135lb) and Senor Toba (127lb) to claim the 2022 Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse, but the six-year-old’s advance to a mark of 117 from 95 at the start of last season will see him shoulder 135lb this weekend.
Attempting to become the first galloper to secure consecutive Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse wins since Viva Macau, who triumphed under Darren Beadman in 2007 and the following year for Zac Purton, Money Catcher faces a formidable assignment, according to Lor.
“Last year, he carried 115 pounds. This year, he carries 135 pounds, so the difference is 20 pounds – which is quite a bit. But, anyway, he’s in good form. The only worry is the weight,” Lor said.
“Last season, we always had light weights and it was easier but this season, like this coming Sunday, he’s carrying a big weight so maybe it’s going to be a little bit different. But, anyway, he’s still in good form.”