Frankie Lor Fu-chuen will be keeping a close eye on Saturday’s Group One 2,000 Guineas (1,600m) at Newmarket before turning his attention to Sha Tin on Sunday, with the handler hoping City Of Troy can land a victory that could prove valuable for the connections of one of his up-and-coming gallopers.

After earning comparisons with wonder horse Frankel in his juvenile campaign, City Of Troy heads into the first Classic of the British flat season as a warm favourite and seeking his fourth victory from as many starts.

A win for Europe’s champion juvenile of 2023 will secure master trainer Aidan O’Brien a record-extending 11th 2,000 Guineas win, while also proving significant 6,000 miles away for 58-year-old handler Lor.

By Justify out of Group One-winning mare Together Forever, City Of Troy is a full brother to the Lor’s Unbelievable, who contests Sunday’s Group Three Queen Mother Memorial Cup (2,400m) at Sha Tin.

Stallion prospects rarely come into consideration in Hong Kong, but Unbelievable’s owners have decided against gelding the improving galloper for the time being, and Lor hopes that will prove a fruitful decision after this weekend.

“Of course, I’ll be watching [the 2,000 Guineas],” Lor said. “That’s why the owners have said not to geld the horse yet. I think it will be good if his brother wins, we know his father [Justify] was really good.

“It also means if my horse can win a Group race, we might need to keep him as a colt.”

City Of Troy faces 10 rivals, including the Richard Hannon-trained Rosallion, who finished his two-year-old season with a breakthrough Group One win in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagadere (1,400m).

Charlie Appleby saddles one runner in the contest, Notable Speech, who has continued to step forward on the all-weather and will attempt to become the first horse to reign supreme in the 2,000 Guineas on turf debut.

Ghostwriter and Night Raider both put their perfect records on the line, while Alyanaabi, Iberian and Haatem were all beaten by City Of Troy in last year’s Group One Dewhurst Stakes (1,400m) and are playing for minor places.

Task Force, Inisherin and Ten Bob Tony complete the line-up.

The Jockey Club will simulcast Newmarket’s nine-race card before the Queen Mother Memorial Cup headlines Sha Tin’s Sunday programme.

Whyte cautious as Russian Emperor tackles ‘difficult’ Queen Mother Memorial Cup

Unbelievable steps up to 2,400m for the first time in the city and Lor believes the combination of a light weight and an extended trip can enable his galloper to thrive.

“This time we have a light weight and I think that will be much better for him than last time when he carried 135 [pounds],” Lor said. “He’s a big horse and he’s looked a bit one-paced so 2,400m should be much better for him.

“I hope he’s good enough to win. After his last race he’s improved again and I think he has a nice chance.”