Bottomuptogether faces crucial Classic Mile test in Panasonic Cup at Sha Tin | HK Racing

Frankie Lor Fu-chuen gets a crucial guide to Bottomuptogether’s Classic Mile prospects when the quality four-year-old faces a stern test in Saturday’s Class Two Panasonic Cup (1,400m) at Sha Tin.

Bottomuptogether is a brilliant winner from his first three starts over 1,200m and climbs seven furlongs for the first time as Lor ponders a tipping point in January’s Classic Mile.

Coming in a close second behind Rubylot and Wunderbar over 1,200 meters in his two starts this campaign, the son of Shamus Award enters a hot field that includes fellow four-year-olds Packing Hermod and Rubylot, as well as a competitive group of older horses.

Lor is hopeful that his progressive galloper can go beyond short runs and tackle the longer distance on Saturday.

“It’s a very strong race, but we will do our best,” said Lor.

“We know that his full brother, Beauty Live, won the 1,400m and 1,600m, but I think he needs to relax a bit and see if we can try it in the 1,600m later. If he can’t handle it, he might just go back to 4,000 feet. We will know after this race.”

Bottomuptogether suffered his first defeat when Rubylot stormed home to beat him first by half a length. He then went down fighting when he was defeated by winning the last start of machine Wunderbar.

Bottomuptogether’s tough task on Saturday is complemented by a wide draw in barrier 10, but he does have the advantage of being able to carry a bottom weight of 115lbs with Matthew Chadwick on board.

Lor could have a big day on Saturday, with last start winners Savvy Brilliant, Master Trillion and Never Peter Out also set to line up, while Voyage Samurai and Legend St Paul’s also have claims after both finishing second in their most recent appearances.

Savvy Brilliant looks hard to beat in the Class Three Panasonic 2-in-1 Washer-Dryer Handicap (1,200m) after an impressive score on his second start in Hong Kong.

“He’s still a little slow in jumping, but he was better than last time in his test,” Lor said. “He can run from behind, so that should be OK.”

After making a successful debut on the 1,000m straight, Master Trillion must overcome a top weight of 135lb and barrier 13 in the Class Four Panasonic Mini LED TV Handicap (1,200m).

“He won his first start, but that race was a bit weak,” Lor said.

“Now he has to carry a big weight and he is not a big horse, but the distance should be OK for him.”

After going winless in the first month of the season, Lor’s stable has returned to form with eight winners as the 58-year-old slowly climbs back up the championship table.

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