Aware of the magnitude of Victor The Winner’s challenge as he bids to topple champion sprinter Lucky Sweynesse in Class 1 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup Handicap (1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday, Karis Teetan says tactics will be crucial in the HK$3.72 million season-opening feature.
Teetan hopes Victor The Winner, who posted five victories over Sha Tin’s 1200m course before being defeated by Lucky Sweynesse in the G3 Sha Tin Vase Handicap (1200m) on 4 June, can again contend on the basis of recent solid trials.
“His first trial, I thought he needed it and I was pleased with his last trial, he felt good. He’s got fresh legs on him and so I was happy with the trial,” Teetan said of Monday’s hit-out.
“You have got to respect Lucky Sweynesse, he’s one of the best sprinters in the world so of course he’s going to be a challenge. Last time (the G3 Sha Tin Vase Handicap), Victor The Winner ran a good race, but we were challenged a bit early in the race so we had to work a little harder throughout the race.
“I think this time if he gets his own way a bit and with the weight difference and the way the horse is feeling, I think he should be a big runner.”
Victor The Winner (115lb) will again receive 20lb from three-time Group 1 winner Lucky Sweynesse (135lb) in the pair’s rematch and Teetan is hopeful Danny Shum’s charge will eventually develop into a genuine topliner.
“I think he (Victor The Winner) is a horse on the rise. He’s going to go up in the grade. He’s always run well – he might have had only one disappointing run in Hong Kong – so you can’t fault him. I think, with time, he’s just going to get stronger.
“I know he’s five now but I think he’s got a brilliant season in front of him. Lucky Sweynesse is the big sprinter in Hong Kong but I think he (Victor The Winner) is the new one who will come on and maybe put a bit of a challenge.”
With 13 wins from 17 starts, 131-rater Lucky Sweynesse on Sunday concedes 20lb pounds to his five rivals – Victor The Winner, Rewarding Together, Adios, Ima Single Man and Youthful Deal – as trainer Manfred Man plots a path towards more Group 1 glory.
Alexis Badel, who spent the off-season riding successfully in France and Japan, will partner Adios for Frankie Lor and believes fitness will play a key role on Sunday after recent weather events, including Typhoon Saola, interrupted preparations for the start to the 2023/24 season.
“Adios looks okay, I think it’s going to be the same problem for everyone to see who’s ready and fit or not (because of weather disruptions). Victor The Winner seems to have had more work but Adios feels good in the morning,” said the BMW Hong Kong Derby-winning rider.
“I had a good holiday, a mix of relaxing time and riding. It was interesting to maintain some physical activity and being able to win in France and Japan was quite unexpected but actually very good. Now we start again.” - Hong Kong Jockey Club
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Typical open Class 5 race to kick off the season. Superb Daddy form is good and must be rated a solid chance to continue his good form. Leather Master drops down in grade and start following. He showed big improvement in a recent trial and gets Purton in the saddle from a decent draw. Splendid Star changed trainer and can continue his good form he showed at the back end of last season. Starship Eighty video replay showed last run was very good. Dazzling Fellow has ability and should not be underestimated in this grade.
Race 2: Fortune Warrior recent barrier trial was good, suggesting a big run can be expected on his second run in Class 4. Ever Blessing has simply had no luck in recent starts and should improve big time. More Rice recent barrier trial was good, suggesting an improved run can be expected. August Moon resuming from a break and trialled well recently. He looks to be back in form. Super Winner can bounce back a winner anytime in this class. Have to consider on an each-way basis.
Race 3: Greenwich more than capable of winning again in this race as he appears to have better than Class 4 ability. Vanquisher turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly and is well prepared for his return with two trials. Ready To Win drops in class here and finds a suitable race, start to follow. Golden Bull has shown ability and gets his chance to win here, but his roaring condition is the query. The Good Deal rising in class and meets better quality horses but can measure up. Maps well from gate 3 to get his chance.
Race 4: Lucky Sweynesse Hong Kong’s best sprinter resuming who should be continuing his winning ways. He showed last start that he can carry weight over his rivals and his recent trial was more than impressive. Victor The Winner clearly appears to be the biggest danger to the favourite after finishing runner-up to him last start. Rewarding Together placed last start and looks a chance to run well again, but a win would surprise. Adios caught the eye last start when running home well. Youthful Deal toughest test so far, place preferred and his best form seems to be on the AWT.
Race 5: Another wide-open Class 5 race. Fighting Star resuming from a break and won a recent trial. If he runs up to that, he could be hard to run down here. Soaring Tower last run suggested a win was very near. He will need a good, tactical steer from barrier 10 under Purton. Fingers Crossed last start winner who remains in the same grade and has drawn well low in barrier 1. Smart Leader has a chance based on past form in this class of race, start to follow. Noble Boyz placed last start and looks a chance to run well again.
Race 6: Champion Method well prepared for debut, showing ability in quite a few trials, and is worth considering for Shum and Purton. Valiant Elegance has a chance based on past form in this class of race, start to follow again. He could be hard to get past if afforded a soft lead. Noble One recent runs have been encouraging and can run well. Karma more than capable of winning again in this race but 1000m is the query. Ruby Sailing has been placed last two starts and deserves a win soon. He should be able to measure up here.
Race 7: All Is Good rising in class and meets better quality horses but can measure up after stringing together three wins on end in Class 4. He looked well in a recent trial and jumps ideally from barrier 2 for Purton. Circuit Mighty nice horse who is a model of consistency and looks a great chance from barrier 1 for Avdulla. Bon’s A Pearla last run suggested a win was very near. He has improved since transfer- ring to Ng. Outgate has been steadily improving and do not dismiss. Big Red remains a maiden galloper but clearly gets a chance to win here after showing some promise.
Race 8: June Planet looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form and a nice trial ahead of return. He should have won a race already, but he has been getting too far back in the run. Blue Marlin had excuses last start when racing wide without cover. Simply a run to forget and go on prior good form. Kasi Farasi old-timer who is always capable of surprising. Ariel looks on track to land a win in the grade soon. Golden Link is on the class drop and can start to be followed.
Race 9: Supreme Lucky last run was better than it reads after a negative ride and do not dismiss. A few chances here but he has the ability to take this out with a better judged ride. Call Me Dandy well supported last start and won accordingly, he should be able to follow up on that. Ace One has been placed last two starts and deserves a win soon. Pulsar Strider consistent performer of late and worth considering but he may need luck from gate 10. Amazing Ace had genuine excuses last start and could improve at odds here. Value chance.
Race 10: This looks a race between two and position in running will be vital to the outcome. Super Sunny Sing should be highly suited by the drop back in distance after being unsuited in a slow run Derby. He needs to stay in touch and not stand too much ground. Flaming Rabbit can lead in this race and be hard to run down. If he gets his own way in front, look out! Find My Love form is good and must be rated a solid chance. Winner Method recent barrier trial was handy, suggesting a good run can be expected. Sauvestre form is good and must be rated a solid chance.