Frankie Lor Fu-chuen will get a crucial guide on Bottomuptogether’s Classic Mile prospects when the quality four-year-old faces a stern test in Saturday’s Class Two 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 ponders a tilt at January’s Classic Mile.

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

Lor is hopeful his progressive galloper can stretch beyond short-course trips and handle the rise in distance on Saturday.

“It’s a really strong race, but we will try our best,” Lor said.

“We know his full brother, Beauty Live, won over 1,400m and 1,600m, but I think he needs to relax to see whether we try 1,600m later. If he can’t handle it, maybe he’ll just go back to 1,200m. We’ll know after this race.”

Bottomuptogether suffered his first defeat when Rubylot stormed home to beat him by half a length first up. He then went down fighting when beaten a neck by winning machine Wunderbar last start.

Adding to Bottomuptogether’s tough task on Saturday is a wide draw in barrier 10, but he does have the advantage of carrying bottom weight of 115 pounds 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 ran second at their most recent outings.

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

“He’s still a little bit slow to jump, but he was better than last time in his trial,” Lor said. “He can run on from behind, so he should be OK.”

After making a successful debut down the 1,000m straight, Master Trillion has to overcome top weight of 135 pounds and barrier 13 in the Class Four Panasonic Mini LED TV Handicap (1,200m).

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

“Now he needs to carry a big weight and he isn’t 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 bounced back into form with eight winners as the 58-year-old slowly makes his way back up the championship table.