Aiming to consolidate an already strong season, Karis Teetan is excited at the opportunity to ride Young Champion for the first time when the emerging talent contests the Class 2 Sheung Yeung Shan Handicap (1400m) at Sha Tin on Saturday.
Ridden at his first two Hong Kong starts by James McDonald for a second and a last-start victory over 1400m on 25 February, Young Champion rises from Class 3 and will start from barrier No 9 in a field of 11.
“He looks like a really promising horse, he’s done everything right so far. Thanks to Mr Size for the opportunity, he’s a lovely horse to get on and also he goes into the race with a nice weight (53kg) on his back,” the Mauritian said of Young Champion.
“It’s a nice race for him. I’ve watched his trials and his races and it looks like he’s done everything right so far.”
Young Champion faces 10 rivals headed by The Golden Scenery, Fantastic Treasure, Flaming Rabbit, Keefy, Dancing Code, Blue Marlin, Find My Love, Lucky Encounter, Supreme Lucky and I Give.
Formerly known as Sharlouk when trained by Johnny Murtagh in Ireland, Young Champion won a maiden and was runner-up in Listed company at Naas over 1400m.
Harry Bentley will attempt to thwart Young Champion’s advance when he takes over on Blue Marlin from Hugh Bowman, who cannot make the weight after piloting the gelding to victory over this course and distance on 3 March.
“He (Young Marlin) is obviously a horse that’s been progressing nicely all the way through Class 3. He’s got a light weight on his back, he’s a very big horse so he’s going to feel like he’s loose,” Bentley said.
“The fact we’ve got a nice draw (barrier No 2) as well is very important for him. Obviously, he’s going to have to contend with a step up in class, but I’m really looking forward to seeing how he’s going to handle the challenge and I certainly think he’s up to it.
“He’s done nothing but improve, Douggie (trainer Douglas Whyte) has done a really good job with him. He’s not been the most straight-forward in the past, but he’s going the right way and he’s putting it all together.”
Pierre Ng’s I Give will bid for a seventh win this season from barrier No 6 for Angus Chung and, if successful, would be only one victory shy of the record jointly held by Beauty Generation and Lucky Sweynesse of eight wins in a single season.
Straight Arron has completed preparations for a G1 Dubai Turf (1800m) tilt at Meydan Racecourse on 30 March with a soft 1700m trial win under Bowman at Happy Valley this morning (15 March).
“Very happy with the trial. Just brought him here to Happy Valley for a day out. It’s his final ‘prep’ for his race in Dubai, he seems to be in good order,” trainer Caspar Fownes said.
“Hugh was very happy with him, very complimentary about him so, full steam ahead and we’re looking forward to going to Dubai and seeing how we go.” - Hong Kong Jockey Club
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Happy Tango has early speed and can always surprise with the right run. Backs up quickly off a good run of Wednesday night and should run well again. Prestige Moochi looked unlucky when being held up at a crucial stage last start, he can improve. Spangle Fortune last start winner who remains in the same grade, consider again. All Is Ready can upset some more fancied rivals on best form. Valiant Elegance has ability and should not be underestimated in this grade. Getting on in age now but could still be competitive.
Race 2: Plenty of chances here. Speedy Smartie had excuses last start when racing wide without cover, sticking on well late. With a better run in transit, he has what it takes to win. Solid Shalaa looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. He should receive every chance from the low draw. Triumphant Warrior form is good and is getting close to a win. Fortune Warrior recent barrier trial was good, suggesting a good run can be expected. He will jump and run and give a sight. Speedy Fortune looks a chance if you go on previous consistent form.
Race 3: Chateauneuf impressive debut winner who trialled well since and should be good enough to win again. Super Highway has had no luck recently and could run a cheeky race as he comes into a lower draw. Run Run Timing nice three-year-old with a good chance here based on what he has shown so far. You’remyeverything has been placed last two starts and deserves a win soon. Crazy Treasure caught the eye last start when running home well.
Race 4: Devas Twelve was an easy last start winner and must be respected. Finds a race where he seems good enough to win again. Satirical Glory should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way. He has had plenty of chances but will run his race. Forever Glorious a fast beginner who can run well if he finds an easy lead. Chateau has dropped a lot in the ratings and can improve and he showed improvement at a recent trial. Fury And Gold showed improvement at a recent trial and could improve at a price.
Race 5: Ace Victory caught wide last start and still ran well. He comes into a better draw here and can bounce back. Ima Single Man recent barrier trial was impressive, suggesting a good run can be expected. Expect improvement. Beauty Missile good performance when storming home for a nice second last start and seems to be nearing a win. Enterprise Attack has shown ability and gets his chance to bounce back for a win here third-up from a break. Endeared had no luck last start, and in most recent starts due to wide gates, but keep following.
Race 6: Champion Instinct winner of last two starts and looks a top chance to pick up a hat-trick of wins here. Great Spirit holding form with recent good trial and looks well placed to go close to winning on his second start here. Packing Brilliant recent barrier trial was good, suggesting a good run can be expected on his second career start. Super Goldi has shown ability and gets his chance to win here. Super Glory having second start and can improve with experience after he showed early speed on debut before fading late.
Race 7: Victory Moments more than capable of winning again in this race after he continued his affinity with the all-weather last start with an impressive victory. Smokey Bear form is good and must be rated a solid chance. Purton takes the ride and they will go close. Good Buddy looks a solid good chance based on last start. Fast Buck last start winner who rises in class but can measure up from the low draw. Sing Dragon having third start and may improve here after showing some promise in two local starts.
Race 8: Invincible Lucky having third start and may improve here after two eye-catching runs over 1200m. Blinkers go on and he should relish the rise in distance. Super Wise Dragon well-placed and looks a chance in race like this after he had excuses last start. The Absolute a last-start winner who trialled well since and could have upside. Jumbo Fortune has ability and is always dangerous in this grade, start to follow again. Foolish Heart turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly into second for his best run yet.
Race 9: Young Champion nice 4yo with a good chance here to win back-to-back despite the rise in class. Faces his toughest test but looks to have plenty of upside and is good enough to win again. Lucky Encounter holding form with recent good trial and looks well. However, his 1400m form is the query. Blue Marlin rising in class and meets better quality horses but can measure up. Dancing Code last run was much better than it looks in a slowly-run race and expect better here. The Golden Scenery last run was better than it reads and do not dismiss.
Race 10: Windcheater looks the one to beat based on current form as he rises in class but drops a lot in weight. Not the strongest of Class 3 races, so he should be hard to beat here. Sweet Briar faded late last start, chance to improve under right race shape as Purton takes the ride from a good draw. Massive Action showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight, which is what he does. He will give another good sight here. Never Too Soon last run was better than it reads and do not dismiss. Outgate should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way.
Luke Middlebrook’s Selections
R1. 3-6-1-8
R2. 6-4-5-2
R3. 3-4-2-1
R4. 1-2-6-11
R5. 4-3-10-1
R6. 3-4-7-6
R7. 3-4-7-6
R8. 7-12-4-2
R9. 10-8-6-5
R10. 11-9-7-3
Betting Strategy:
R3 #3 Win
R8 #7 Win
R9 #10 Win
R10 #14 Win