Money Catcher’s connections are hoping their honest campaigner has more than a little bit in common with Viva Macau at the conclusion of Sunday’s Group Three Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse (1,800m) at Sha Tin.

A half-length winner of the race last year, the Frankie Lor Fu-chuen-trained Money Catcher will look to become the second horse to bag consecutive Ladies’ Purses by emulating the feats of Viva Macau in 2007 and 2008.

To do so, Money Catcher must lug the top weight of 135 pounds to victory – a full 20 pounds more than what he carried when successful 12 months ago.

The last horse to win the Ladies’ Purse under the top weight? You guessed it, Viva Macau, who did it twice for good measure.

While it was the since-banished Silvestre de Sousa in the saddle when Money Catcher saluted as a $5.10 chance last season, Alexis Badel will take the reins aboard the 117-rated six-year-old this weekend.

“I think he’s a good horse. He’s got quality,” Badel said. “Statistically, it’s not easy to win the Ladies’ Purse twice in a row, and the handicap situation is very different this year.

“But I think his form is good, and he’s drawn a good barrier. I’m sure he’ll be right there, but I need everything to go perfectly.

“The horse is easy. He likes to go forward if nobody wants to, but he can sit back if someone goes crazy out in front. I think he’ll be very handy.”

Money Catcher, who was fifth behind California Spangle when first up in the Group Two Sha Tin Trophy (1,600m) three weeks ago, chases a third Group Three win over 1,800m.

To do so, he must beat Encountered, who ran second in the Sha Tin Trophy, fellow Group Three winner Straight Arron and the impressive Super Sunny Sing, among others.

While Money Catcher’s hurdles are obvious, Lor may have found the right race for stablemate Happy Together.

A last-start winner in Class Three, Happy Together steps up in grade for Sunday’s Class Two Eleanor Handicap (1,600m), which boasts a ratings band of 90-70.

Both of Happy Together’s Hong Kong wins – one for Richard Gibson last season and one for Lor this season – have come under Badel, and the Frenchman feels the duo are far from finished.

“He was off for a while and won convincingly first up. That was a nice job,” the jockey said.

“In my mind, he’s always been a quality horse, and I think he proved it last time. I’m hoping he can step up to Class Two and keep doing well.

Fownes eyes bigger picture for Straight Arron ahead of Ladies’ Purse assignment

“He’s a very easy horse, and you just ride him wherever he’s comfortable. He can quicken in the straight, so it’s about being in the right spot and having a smooth run.

“There was a meeting cancelled because of the typhoon, and Happy Together was one of my rides. We aimed for this race quite a way in advance.”

Among Happy Together’s 10 Eleanor Handicap opponents are The Best Peach, Galaxy Witness, Ching, Superb Boy and Snaffles, all of whom join Badel’s in-form mount in chasing a maiden Class Two success.