Teetan chases final IJC berth at Happy Valley

The line-up for the 2024 Longines International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) on 4 December will be finalised at the conclusion of Wednesday’s nine-race fixture at Happy Valley with Karis Teetan and Matthew Poon fighting for the coveted final spot.

The last two positions on the 12-rider roster are open this year to the next highest-ranked riders locally and with Hugh Bowman (19 wins) wrapping up the first slot, Teetan and Poon are locked in battle for the remaining berth.

Both Teetan and Poon have 14 wins apiece through 21 of the 88 scheduled race meetings this season. Matthew Chadwick and Luke Ferraris have 11 wins each and sit below the pair.

Poon trails Teetan with seven fewer second placings – in the case a countback is required to separate the duo – but has eight rides to Teetan’s three, with the Mauritian inconvenienced by an influx of runners who missed the final three races last Wednesday.

Teetan said: “It looked like things were going my way because before the races were abandoned all of my horses were first priority and I had a full book tomorrow (Wednesday) – then they all became reserves, so I ended up with three rides.

“I’m hoping, I mean those three are sort of chances. Matthew is not leaving my tail alone – every winner I ride, he then rides one, so it hasn’t been easy but at the end of the day he’s riding well, too. If he does get to ride in the IJC, then he deserves the chance but I’m there to also give it a go.”

Vincent Ho, Zac Purton, Ryan Moore, William Buick, James McDonald, Colin Keane, Yuga Kawada, Hollie Doyle, Rachel King and Mickael Barzalona complete the IJC roster, where jockeys receive 12 points for the win, six points for second and four points for third across the eligible four races at Happy Valley on 4 December.

Teetan won the 2019 IJC and has competed five times in the challenge which carries a total prize of HK$1 million. The winner receives HK$600,000, while second and third collect HK$250,000 and HK$150,000, respectively.

Poon has ridden once in the IJC, finishing sixth in 2018. The 34-year-old Teetan partners Cool Blue, Take Action and Can’t Go Wong. The latter contests the second section of the Class 4 Kwu Tung Handicap (1650m) for trainer Frankie Lor tomorrow.

“He’s been racing well for a while now and I thought his last run was a good run. He’s still knocking to get his win but if he gets the right run then he looks like he could bring it home,” Teetan said.

The one-time winning 51-rater came within a short head of victory last start. He steps away from gate seven this week under Teetan, who is also hoping Take Action can fire in the first section of the Class 4 Yuen Long Handicap (1650m).

“He ran really good at Sha Tin. I think he needs a little bit further and the draw (1) he’s got is going to be a big help and maybe a bit of cut in the going might help him, too,” Teetan said.

Speedster Glory Elite makes his first appearance at the city circuit in a competitive Class 2 Chek Lap Kok Handicap (1200m) for jockey Derek Leung and trainer Jimmy Ting.

“He’s a nice horse and it’s his first time going to Happy Valley because of the programme, there are not many options. We have an outside draw (10), so hopefully he can handle it,” Leung said.

The Russian Revolution gelding has finished either first or second in his past six starts, which includes three wins by a combined margin of eight lengths.

“He’s a very good galloper and he just keeps going. You can see his fitness is getting better and better and I think this time his form is no problem, it’s just that it is his first run at Happy Valley,” Leung said. “We think he can handle it. He’s big (555.5kg body weight) but he’s well balanced and we still need to see because it is his first time.”

Ben Thompson takes six rides at the Valley, led by familiar ally Courier Magic in the second section of the Kwu Tung Handicap against Can’t Go Wong.

“He’s drawn well (No 2) which has eluded him more often than not, so to come up with barrier two – it’s a great result – and with a light weight, he’s in good form, so hopefully he can get back in the winner’s stall,” Thompson said.

The Jamie Richards-trained galloper was Thompson’s first Hong Kong win last March. The 43-rater has broken from barriers eight, nine and 10 from three runs this term.

The Hong Kong Institute Of Surveyors 40th Anniversary Cup Handicap (1200m) is the night’s trophy race where Triumphant More is aiming to remain unbeaten. - Hong Kong Jockey Club

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Superb Move has dropped in the ratings and looks a strong contender after a needed first-up run on the AWT surface. Right Honourable last start winner who remains in the same grade and will make his presence felt under the right race shape. Medic Elite a proven performer in this class, he has to be rated a big winning chance from a favourable draw. Falcon Court with Purton taking the reins, improvement is expected if he handles the rise in trip. Invincible Missile likes to settle back and charge home late, and could place at value if the pace suits.

Race 2: Ninja Derby has been racing in consistent form this season, so it is no surprise to see Purton jumping on board. Harmony Galaxy showed good improvement last start and must be respected with J-Mac aboard. Take Action caught the eye in a 1400m race at Sha Tin last start and is ideally weighted to make amends. Apolar Fighter had genuine excuses (raced wide) last start and can improve in this race. Sturdy Ruby won well last start in this class, but a wide draw makes things tricky this time.

Race 3: Ruby Sailing looks one to watch on his Class 5 debut, having previously performed well at the bottom of Class 4. Cosmo Navigator was narrowly beaten at his first start in Class 5 last time out and is edging closer to a breakthrough. Joyful Friendship finished strongly into third in a slowly run race last start and could make amends with a genuine pace. Super Charizzard caught the eye last start when running home well. From pole position, he should go close if he maps closer to the speed. E Glory finished powerfully with the fastest final sectional time last start and could be a value choice.

Race 4: Courier Magic finished powerfully with the fastest final sectional time in a slowly run race last time out and is primed to make amends from a good draw. Strongest Boy has shown competitiveness in Class 4 and looks a strong contender with Purton aboard. Foremost Teddy will be suited by the switch back to the turf track and could be hard to run down with a well-judged ride, likely with J-Mac taking the reins. Can’t Go Wong has gone close in his last two starts and remains a strong chance. Super Baby a fast beginner who can run well if he finds an easy lead.

Race 5: Triumphant More an impressive debut winner, he should have plenty of ratings in hand and looks on track to go back-to-back. Storming Dragon has been consistent since day one and is overdue for a maiden win. Spicy Spangle scored an easy on-pace win at Sha Tin three days ago and is aiming for a quick double. Affirm likes to jump and run, and could give them something to chase if allowed a soft lead. Exuberant his last run was better than it appears and could cause an upset if he finds his best form.

Race 6: Fun N Glory possessing versatility in running, he should map well from a good draw and go close to winning. Telecom Dragon turned in a close third last start, and with Bowman aboard, he is poised to make amends. Hayday a dangerous frontrunner who can be hard to catch if given an uncontested lead. Motoman showed tactical speed on his Class 4 debut and further improvement is expected, especially with Purton aboard from a low draw. Yee Cheong Spirit looks a solid good chance based on last start, but the wide draw is a major concern.

Race 7: Silo has shown steady improvement since relocating to Hong Kong from Singapore earlier this year, with his last run indicating a win is near. Super Unicorn has been racing in career-best form and is well weighted to claim another victory. Soleil Fighter was narrowly beaten last start and remains a strong chance despite the awkward draw. Simply Maverick has a great record in Class 3 and must be included among the better chances. I Can scored a narrow win in this class two starts ago, but he may have reached his rating ceiling.

Race 8: Raging Blizzard caught the eye with a slashing third first-up and looks to get all the favours with a good draw and Purton aboard. Lucky Encounter finished a close second in a fast run race last start and could make amends from a low draw. Gorgeous Win raced wide last start and could improve into the placings with better luck in running. Glory Elite a dangerous frontrunner, he should remain competitive despite making his Class 2 debut. Wonder Kit is suited by the rise in distance and could surprise at value.

Race 9: Romantic Son turned in a strong debut run and looks primed to break through locally with Purton staying on board. Young Emperor caused a surprise last start by winning at big odds, so this race will test if it was a fluke. Eason caught wide last start and still ran well, he could make amends with a smoother run. Prawns Eleven stormed home for a nice second last start, and from a better draw, he could go one place better. Golden Empire has ability and can upset some more fancied rivals on his best form.