Frankie Lor Fu-chuen is confident Numbers’ tactical advantage over Little Paradise can give him a defining boost in their much-anticipated clash in Sunday’s Classic Cup (1,800m).

The two stand-outs heading into the second leg of the four-year-old series, Numbers will chase a hat-trick of victories while Little Paradise is fresh from a stunning triumph in the Classic Mile.

Lor’s Australian import has made an instant impression in Hong Kong, following a first-up third at Happy Valley with a Class Two win over 2,000m and victory in the Group Three Centenary Vase (1,800m).

He has dictated from the front and run his rivals into the ground in his past two starts, while Little Paradise came from well back with an outstanding turn of foot to run his Classic Mile rivals down last start.

While Lor said Numbers doesn’t necessarily have to lead, the veteran handler hopes his charge can pinch a decisive break on Little Paradise in running on Sunday.

“Everything’s fine with him. He’s in good form and the jockey’s happy with him,” Lor said.

“Derek [Leung Ka-chun] will try to go forward and control the speed. In Australia he sat third or fourth, but in Hong Kong, he usually jumps well and no one wants to lead, so he leads by himself. If something else wants to go forward, he can take a sit.

“We need to see if Little Paradise can handle 1,800m. Last time the pace was quick, so that suited him. If the pace is a bit slow, maybe he will pull.”

Leung will have the entire back straight to work across from Numbers’ wide draw in gate 11 and lead or sit on top of the speed.

The Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) prospect will be at the opposite end of the betting market to Lor and Leung’s 2019 Classic Cup winner Mission Tycoon, who caused a major upset at 91-1. Lor also won the feature with another outsider, 21-1 chance Healthy Happy, in 2021.

Little Paradise, a brilliant winner of his past three starts for Jimmy Ting Koon-ho, has drawn barrier three with Vincent Ho Chak-yiu again on board.

Lor’s other runner, Stormy Grove, also drew wide in gate 12 and he is expected to settle back in the field.

The Australian import broke through for his first local success last start when he powered home from last to win over 1,600m.

“He’s also going well. Last time over 1,600m, the time wasn’t quick but he still relaxed and had a very strong finish,” Lor said.

“I think the 1,800m will be OK for him.”

Harry Bentley retains the ride on Stormy Grove, who joins Numbers and Little Paradise as the only last-start winners in the field of 14.