Frankie Lor led last season’s dirt course standings with 10 wins and, on Wednesday night (1 April) at Sha Tin, the trainer is represented by a formidable outfit in seven of the nine races as apprentice Nichola Yuen makes her debut in Hong Kong with five rides. 

Lor has only one dirt track win this campaign, although he is aiming to rectify that at tomorrow’s all-dirt programme when the twice-placed, lightly raced One Man Show (133lb) tackles the first section of the Class 4 Ma Tau Wai Handicap (1200m).

“I put Zac Purton on last start, but then he drew barrier 12. But I do think he can win a race in Class 4,” Lor said. “He goes to Conghua regularly because he can be a bit nervous in Hong Kong, so it relaxes him.”

One Man Show is to be ridden by Purton again in search of a first win from barrier two. Lor and the championship-leading jockey also team with four-time dirt winner Never Peter Out (130lb), who steps from gate one in the Class 4 Nam Shan Handicap (1650m). 

“Last time he went to the lead, and maybe that was not suitable for him. I’ll ask the jockey to sit midfield this time or at least with some cover, which should be better. I think he can win another race at this level,” Lor said.

Two wins last Sunday (29 March) lifted Lor’s tally this term to 31. Yuen, who experiences Hong Kong racing for the first time after overseas training, rides Fun N Fun Together (132lb) for Lor in the third section of the Class 4 Ma Tau Wai Handicap (1200m).

Yuen said: “I’m really excited to have the opportunity to ride on the biggest stage in the world. It’s really huge for me to be riding with all of the best jockeys in the world. There’s got to be some pressure, but I’ve just got to learn to deal with it.”

Indentured to trainer Ricky Yiu, Yuen’s 10lb claim reduces Fun N Fun Together’s impost to 122lb for Lor, who said: “I put Nichola Yuen on to take 10 pounds off – it makes it a lot easier for the horse.”

Yuen’s training abroad saw the 25-year-old ride 61 winners in Australia, 10 in New Zealand and seven in South Africa. She’s also booked for Double Bingo, Pi Legend, Tourbillon Golfer and Dragon Air Force.

“The special thing is that my position is different. I’ve gone from trainee to now being an apprentice, so it’s nice,” Yuen said. “Hopefully, I can ride many winners for the local and overseas trainers – I’m looking forward to it.”

Voyage Samurai (135lb) returns in the Class 3 Choi Wan Handicap (1650m) for Lor after a setback, making his first start on Sha Tin’s dirt track.

“He trialled well, but this horse, if he can go forward and lead by himself, it should be better. He’s a horse who, if you take him back or he can’t lead, then he isn’t as effective,” Lor said.

Speedy Smartie (133lb) has three wins for trainer Brett Crawford and takes on the second section of the Class 4 Ma Tau Wai Handicap (1200m) tomorrow night.

Crawford said: “He’s been a model of consistency, and he’s been flying the flag for the stable at any track and any surface. He hasn’t got a bad gate (eight), so once again we can expect a good run.”

Andrea Atzeni, who is in excellent form, is aiming to steer the David Hall-trained Good Chap (131lb) to a hat-trick of wins in the third section of the Ma Tau Wai Handicap.

“He’s in good form, and obviously, the handicapper keeps putting him up. But he’s still in Class 4, so hopefully he should be competitive on Wednesday,” Atzeni said. “He feels good, he feels fresh, and it seems like he’s taking his races quite well.”

Booked for eight rides tomorrow, Purton is also aboard dual winner California Star (132lb) for Tony Cruz in the Class 4 Ping Shek Handicap (1800m) from barrier 10.

Purton said: “He wants to give them a head start which is frustrating (out of the gates). If the pace is there and he can get the right run in the race, then he’s always competitive.”

Wednesday night’s (1 April) nine-race fixture at Sha Tin – run exclusively on the dirt track – kicks off at 6.45pm with the Class 5 Shek Kip Mei Handicap (1200m).