Mask Rider scored a super impressive first-up win in Hong Kong last month and on Wednesday the Justify gelding is aiming to repeat the dose in a quality Class 3 Shui Chuen O Handicap over 1200m under Keagan de Melo at Sha Tin.
Hong Kong’s midweek programme features nine races – all on dirt. De Melo steps from gate No 2 against 11 rivals, including Dragon Air Force – a winner of his last two starts – in the HK$1.86 million contest.
Surprising in Class 3 at odds of 27-1 first-up in Hong Kong, former Australian-trained Mask Rider won three times pre-import, when known as Spicy Legend for trainer Peter Robl.
“He showed signs of being a promising horse. He delivered on race day – he had a nice soft lead in front with slow fractions and he was able to quicken up,” De Melo said.
Holding the rail on debut, Mask Rider – who is trained by Chris So – was able to lengthen on the home turn. Fast-closing duo Mojave Desert and Must Go, second and third last start, both reoppose this week.
“I watched his trial at Conghua and he came from off the pace. I don’t think it’s a problem for him, he’s a horse who can settle where he’s happy and he has a nice turn of foot. It’s probably going to suit him taking a sit with the extra seven pounds,” De Melo said.
“He’s just going to have improve that little bit more with the extra weight and I’m sure he’ll give me a good effort towards the end. As long as he settles and gives a good kick then you’ll see the best version of him.
Following Sunday’s incidents at Sha Tin, Karis Teetan will deputise for injured Zac Purton aboard Ka Ying Rising in the HK$13 million G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) on 23 February.
“It’s pretty exciting. The opportunity came and what happened to Zac is not a nice thing that happened. I must thank the owners and (trainer) David Hayes, who is really loyal to me, and as I have won on him (Ka Ying Rising) before they’ve let me take the ride. It’s nice to feel appreciated and I’m looking forward to riding one of the world’s best horses,” Teetan said.
Teetan has trialled Ka Ying Rising previously and won last season’s 2024 HK$4.2 million G3 Sha Tin Vase Handicap (1200m) atop the record-breaking sprinter. The Mauritian is expecting to trial the horse at Conghua on Friday.
Teetan has a full book of rides today at Sha Tin, including Tomodachi Kokoroe in the HK$2.84 million Class 2 Tin Chak Handicap (1200m) from barrier two for Hayes.
“I thought his run last time on the dirt was not a bad run. I think he’s going to have a good run this time from the draw with a nice weight on his back (56kg), and he’s working well, so I’m happy with the ride I have picked up as Zac was supposed to be on him,” Teetan said.
A four-time placegetter in Hong Kong, Glorious Success contests the Class 3 Green Island Handicap (1650m) with Teetan up for trainer David Eustace.
“I thought he was very gutsy last time how he finished off. He was off the bit quite a long way from home and he’s a horse who tries really hard and he handled the dirt pretty well. I think he’s going to go out there and perform to his best again,” said Teetan, who also rides Ensued in the HK$13 million G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) on 23 February.
Jamie Richards is aiming to build on his stable’s nine wins this season. The New Zealander has three successes from his last 10 starts in Hong Kong. He saddles Lucky Touch in the Class 4 Po Shek Wu Handicap (1650m) with Alexis Badel up from gate No 4.
“He handled himself well (last start when third). I think with that experience under his belt it should stand him in good stead,” Richards said. – Hong Kong Jockey Club
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Falcon Court has shown improvement recently and looks one to follow in this moderate field, especially with Teetan aboard. Modest Gentleman is better than his recent performances suggest and can upset some more fancied rivals on his best form. Fung well-placed with the apprentice claim, he will give them something to chase. Smart Leader capable but unpredictable, he is worth considering if his odds offer value. Timestorm caught the eye last start when running home powerfully. He should not be overlooked despite the awkward draw.
Race 2: Sonic Boom appears highly suited by the drop back to 1200m, and from a low draw, he should enjoy a perfect run and go close to winning. Sky Prophet has dropped in the ratings and looks well placed in Class 5 to break through with Bowman aboard. Patch Of Watch gave a good sight and was narrowly beaten last start. He could be hard to run down with the 10-pound claimer remaining on board. Wind Speeder likes to get back and charge home late. He’ll make a strong late surge if the pace suits. Super Elite will relish the rise in distance and could surprise at odds with a decent draw.
Race 3: Lean Master stuck on well in a fast run race last start, and he looks a strong contender with the apprentice claim in this field, despite the wide draw. Natural High let down well to finish third last time out and is edging closer to his first local win. Yeah Buddy finished well despite being held up at a crucial stage last start. He could make amends with a smoother run this time. Sunny Darling a fast beginner, he may sneak into the placings if given a soft lead. Hinokami Kagura still a maiden galloper but gets his chance to win in this wide-open field.
Race 4: Viva Chaleur is coming off a slashing fourth over 1650m at this track. With a favourable draw, he is poised to break through. Reliable Profit an All-Weather track specialist, he remains a strong chance despite the wide draw. Snowalot finished a close second two starts ago but showed little last time. He has ability and could be a value choice. Forever Folks looks highly suited by the switch back to the AWT surface, where he has a strong record. Glorious Journey unbeaten in this class, he must be considered a strong contender dropping to Class 4.
Race 5: Vulcanus has shown a strong liking for the All-Weather track and looks ready to break through in Class 4, despite the awkward draw. Fortune Warrior caught the eye flashing home late in a slowly run race last start. With a better draw, he should map closer to the speed and secure a spot in the Top 3. Excellent Daddy won his last two starts in emphatic fashion, though in Class 5. He remains a chance despite rising to Class 4. Bowser a bit erratic but has ability, he could surprise at odds on his day. Robot Knight the return to the AWT surface is a positive factor and improvement is expected.
Race 6: Lucky Touch has been in great form recently and looks to be the leading contender in a field without much depth. Sky Vino finished third in his last two starts, though the form from those races doesn’t look strong. Nevertheless, he remains a chance with Bowman aboard. Roman Crown the rise in trip should work in his favour, and a win wouldn’t be surprising in a race of this nature. Viva Hunter the lightweight and inside draw are both positive factors, making him a value choice. Ninja Derby was well beaten last start, but his previous form suggests he may bounce back here.
Race 7: Tomodachi Kokoroe is suited by stepping up to 1200m, and based on collateral form, he looks a strong chance, especially with Teetan aboard. Sing Dragon an All-Weather track specialist, he looks one to follow as he returns to his playground. Bundle Of Charm will find this field more manageable and could cause an upset. Full Credit in consistent form, he should be included in exotic bets. Lady’s Choice a dangerous frontrunner, he could be hard to run down in this small field if given an uncontested lead.
Race 8: Must Go should be highly suited by the drop back in distance and looks well weighted to deliver a commendable performance. Mojave Desert his recent runs have been encouraging, and the return to the All-Weather track should suit him even better. Dragon Air Force secured back-to-back wins in Class 4 recently and remains a strong chance despite making his Class 3 debut. Mask Rider made all to win at big odds on his local debut, and with a favourable draw, a double looks imminent. Packing Bole with Britney Wong’s 10-pound claim, he should play a key role with a well-timed ride.
Race 9: Yellowfin finished a close second to the talented Sunlight Power last start, and with the apprentice claim, he is poised to go one better dropping to Class 3. Glorious Success looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. However, the tricky draw is a concern. Beato his form is coming good again and he looks well weighted to run another bold race here. M Unicorn with a strong turn of foot, he will make his presence felt in a genuinely run race. Never Peter Out has been a revelation since trying the All-Weather surface and must be rated a strong chance despite rising to Class 3.