Frankie Lor is aiming to extend his terrific record in Wednesday’s (8 January) HK$4.2 million G3 January Cup Handicap (1800m) when the trainer saddles Happy Together (135lb), Money Catcher (115lb) and Flamingo Trillion (115lb) in Happy Valley’s sole Group race.
Victorious with Simply Brilliant (2019), Money Catcher (2023) and Happy Together (2024), the latter tops the 2025 line-up rated 110 for Lor, while half of the 12-runner field rate below 100 and receive favourable imposts: Helene Feeling (117lb), Money Catcher (115lb), Woodfire Bro (115lb), Flamingo Trillion, Star Contact (115lb) and Romantic Laos (115lb).
Alexis Badel has won two January Cups for Lor (2019 & 2024). He reunites with Happy Together from barrier 10, while Money Catcher steps from the widest draw under Matthew Poon. Flamingo Trillion is placed sweetly in gate two with Derek Leung engaged.
“His (Happy Together) run at the (LONGINES Hong Kong) International Races was great. He’s heading towards this race with what I believe is a good chance, we just carry so much weight tomorrow, so we need everything to go smooth,” Badel said.
“I would say the barrier is a touch awkward. We’ll see what the pace looks like but my horse can finish, he has a good turn of foot, he tries hard – hopefully he can run a good race.”
Flamingo Trillion has won three times from five attempts over the January Cup course and distance. Leung is seeking a first Group race success with Lor’s 85-rating chestnut.
“The light weight is going to help him a lot. We have a good draw and he’s a straightforward horse, it doesn’t matter if we lead, sit second or third. We just ride him to his own rhythm,” Leung said.
Five G Patch (129lb), La City Blanche (128lb), Encountered (127lb), The Golden Scenery (127lb) and Moments In Time (125lb) are the other 100-plus rated horses in the race.