Lor has a Reliable Team in Sha Tin Grade 1

Frankie Lor is expecting much the same from Reliable Team in Sunday’s HK$12 million Group 1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup over 2400m at Sha Tin but admits he won’t be afraid to see things change up if the go-forward grey doesn’t get his own way.

“We’ll see whether he leads, if he can it would be better but if someone else goes crazy then maybe we’ll let them go and sit second or third which is better than going all out together so that he can’t finish,” Lor said.

An on-pacer since his arrival in Hong Kong, Reliable Team has seven wins including his biggest scalp in November’s HK$4.75 million Grade 2 BOCHK Jockey Club Cup over 2000m.

“His form is good, it depends on the speed in the race. Ka Ying Star is also in the race, so maybe he won’t lead, we’ll see,” Lor said.

Of Sunday’s field, Nordic Sky made all for a tidy win earlier this month, while Ka Ying Star is a chance to try and do the same this weekend as a Group 1 placegetter from the front in the past.

“The distance is no problem for him, it will all depend on who tries to lead and if we’re on our own out there it would be better, especially if we get a good draw, then it’s easier to get to the front,” Lor said.

Derek Leung takes the reins aboard Reliable Team this weekend, chasing a third win aboard the 110-rater.

“We’ve been lucky, we won the Group 2 together when he hit the front and no one targeted him.”