20 March 2026
Numbers faces tempo test in HK$26 million BMW Hong Kong Derby
Numbers (NZ) (Tivaci) shapes as a leading contender in the Listed HK$26 million BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) on Sunday (22 March) but, despite being confident about his mount’s credentials, jockey Derek Leung warns that race tempo will be decisive.
The Frankie Lor-trained gelding, who has two wins, a third and a fourth from four Hong Kong starts, is expected to be near the top of the betting when the starting gates open before a packed Sha Tin Grandstand.
Already a Group Three winner in Hong Kong after taking February’s Gr.3 Centenary Vase Handicap (1800m) in commanding style, his merits were not seriously dented by a gallant fourth in the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m). He jumped as the second-favourite that day, though the blistering pace set by front-running Akashvani (Alpine Eagle) did not aid his cause.
“He ran a fast tempo (in the Hong Kong Classic Cup), and it was not so simple for him,” said Leung, who has been on board for each of Numbers’ Hong Kong runs. “But now we know more about the horse and how good he is. So, we know how to judge the pace.
“I think it won’t be as quick as last time, and that, in this race, quite a few horses will try to be handy to get the good positions. So, the first turn will be the key.”
Numbers, who has drawn barrier 13 for the Sunday showpiece, is one of only two runners in the field with experience over the Derby distance in Hong Kong – a Class 2 win over course and distance at the end of December. David Eustace’s Seraph Gabriel, who has drawn gate 12 on Sunday, is the other.
“The draw hasn’t helped him,” Leung said. “I will still try to go forward a little bit. There’s no doubt he can handle (2000m), and on Sunday, I’m sure he will run very well.
“Quite a few horses have a decent chance. But I think the main danger is the tempo,” Leung added.
Lor is similarly focused on the race shape when assessing Numbers’ prospects.
“For me, the first section (in the Hong Kong Classic Cup) was just a little bit quick,” Lor said. “He was still not bad – he finished fourth. Going to the 2000m, I think the jockey will slow him.”
Sunday’s (22 March) 10-race programme at Sha Tin begins with the Class 4 Luger Handicap (1600m) at 1pm. The 149th BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m), worth HK$26 million, is scheduled as Race 7 at 4.05pm. -HKJC
No Observer for Planet Red at Caulfield
Thank the Lord.
That was co-trainer Mick Price’s initial reaction when asked if he was pleased Observer would not be lining up against Planet Red in the Group 2 Alister Clark Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield on Saturday.
While Planet Red, who is prepared by Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, lines up at Caulfield, Observer is chasing more Group 1 honours north of the border in Sydney in the Rosehill Guineas (2000m).
The Price and Kent Jnr-trained entrant has chased Observer home in both outings this campaign, finishing second in the Autumn Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield and the Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington.
“With all due respect to that very good horse Observer, he was unlucky in the Caulfield Guineas, but we ran second and Planet Red’s two runs this time in have been dictated to by bad barriers,” Price said.
“First-up he was ridden cold and whooshed home very well and then in the Australian Guineas, it was the same thing.
“I couldn’t work out how to ride him and watching the race unfold, I think it was the right thing to do.
“It’s a different race on Saturday, different tempo, different barrier, and I think it will be change of tactics.
“In a 2000-metre race when they sit up there will be no need for him to be too far away.”
Price said Planet Red’s campaign may come to a conclusion after Saturday as he wants to see the gelding put some condition on his frame.
And Price is not convinced Planet Red is a true stayer, although he thinks the 2000m journey on Saturday won’t be an issue.
“He’s a strong horse, with a good brain, but while he’s a good size, he just doesn’t have the muscle on him that I would like to see,” Price said.
“He’s done the work to run 2000 metres, He’s fit, very sound and it’s a nice race for him, but I don’t think I will persevere too long this preparation because he’s a growing horse on a good frame.
“I don’t know if he’s a true staying horse, but he’s a nice miler, 2000-metre horse and I think he will come back as a nice four-year-old if we look after him.
“Hopefully he can go out on a winning note.” - JustHorseRacing
Dennis Ryan
Paul Vettise
