Frankie Lor Fu-chuen will receive an essential guide to Bottomuptogether’s Classic Mile prospects when the quality four-year-old faces a stern test in Saturday’s Grade II Panasonic Cup (1,400m) at Sha Tin .

A brilliant winner of his first three starts up to 1,200m, Bottomuptogether steps up to seven furlongs for the first time as Lor contemplates a tilt at the Classic Mile in January.

A second behind Rubylot and Wunderbar over 1,200m in his two starts this campaign, the son of Shamus Award hits hot ground with fellow four-year-olds Packing Hermod and Rubylot as well as a competitive pack of older horses .

Lor hopes his progressive gallop can stretch beyond the short trips and cope with Saturday’s increased distance.

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

“We know his brother Beauty Live has won over 1,400m and 1,600m but I think he needs to relax to see if we try the 1,600m later. If he doesn’t manage, maybe he’ll go back to 1,200m. We’ll know after this race.”

Bottomuptogether suffered his first defeat when Rubylot came home to beat him by half a length. He then went down fighting when he was beaten by the neck from the winning car Wunderbar on the last start.

Adding to Bottomuptogether’s tough task on Saturday is a wide draw in barrier 10, but he has the advantage of carrying a bottom weight of 115lbs with Matthew Chadwick on board.

Lor could be set for a big day on Saturday with last start winners Savvy Brilliant, Master Trillion and Never Peter Out also set to run, while Voyage Samurai and Legend St Paul’s also have claims after both they took second place in their most recent outings.

Savvy Brilliant looks hard to beat in the Grade Three Panasonic 2-In-1 Washer-Dryer Handicap (1,200m) after scoring impressively on his second start in Hong Kong.

“He’s still a little slow to jump, but he was better than last time in his attempt,” Lor said. “He can run from the back so he should be fine.”

After making a successful debut over the 1,000m straight, Master Trillion must clear the top weight of 135lbs and barrier 13 in the Grade 4 Panasonic Mini LED TV Handicap (1,200m).

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

“He has to carry a lot of weight now and he’s 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 works his way back up the championship standings.

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