Raging Blizzard has stepped up his game this season with a pair of wins and on Wednesday he will attempt to emulate his Sha Tin heroics at Happy Valley in Race 8, the HK$1.86 million Class 3 Chater Handicap over 1200m.
Trained by John Size and to be ridden again by Karis Teetan, Raging Blizzard has had only four starts in Hong Kong – all at Sha Tin. The four-year-old scored at his first time of asking in Class 3 last month with a smart success over Gorgeous Win.
Teetan knows the improving Raging Blizzard well and he believes that effort combined with barrier No 3 will stand the Per Incanto gelding in good stead as he encounters the tight turns, bright lights and unique atmosphere that Happy Valley offers for the first time.
“It’s (barrier No 3) going to make a big difference at the end. The good thing about him is that he has some nice speed which will help him. I’m looking forward to riding him,” Teetan said.
Raging Blizzard faces Bon’s A Pearla, Armour Eagle, Watch Buddy, Golden Samurai and more in the 12-runner finale.
“It was a very good win last time. By saying that, I believe he had a lot of things go his way – he had a decent draw, nice trail into the race and got a nice split. Everything worked out pretty well and he has a nice draw on Wednesday, so let’s hope he gets a good run again,” Teetan said.
The bay crossed the line third in a recent barrier trial at Sha Tin. He clocked 46.20secs for that effort over 800m on turf.
“He just had a little stretch. I was pretty happy, he was very comfortable and he is ready,” Teetan said.
With 37 wins this season – including 16 since the start of December – Teetan is on track to eclipse last term’s return of 56 triumphs, which was hampered due to an extended stint sidelined with illness.
Today’s fixture is the 38th of 88 scheduled to run this term.
The Mauritian ace has seven rides at Happy Valley, including Shinkansen, who tackles the second section of the Class 4 Club Handicap over 1200m for trainer Douglas Whyte.
“It was a good win last time and the horse has improved a lot. I thought he had a good run through and he should get a similar run this time,” Teetan said.
Teetan will partner Fantastic Treasure in Sunday’s HK$13 million Grade 1 Stewards’ Cup over 1200m at Sha Tin for trainer David Hayes.
“He’s going well. I worked him a few days ago and he’s working well. He has to take on some big boys, but I thought last time he ran a cheeky race and if he gets the right run he might earn some prize money,” the rider said.
Teetan is booked to ride Taj Dragon in the HK$13 million Grade 1 Centenary Sprint Cup over 1200m on 28 January at Sha Tin for trainer Pierre Ng. The five-year-old won the HK$4.2 million G3 Chinese Club Challenge Cup Handicap over 1400m earlier this month.
“It was a good win last time. He comes back in trip. Pierre’s stable is flying at the moment – his horses are running really well and this horse is in form. Take Lucky Sweynesse out and I believe it’s a very open field,” Teetan said. - Hong Kong Jockey Club
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: A wide-open Class 5 contest to kick things off. Turtle Again consistent performer of late and worth considering. He is the one to beat from the low draw. Classic Archi has ability and is always dangerous in this grade, strong chance on the class drop. United Endeavors recent runs have been encouraging and can run well. Another who is drawn ideally. Colourful Baron well supported last start and won accordingly and could repeat the dose – watch the betting.
Race 2: The speed map appears favourable to Forever Glorious here, who should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way. If rated well, he can get the job done. Precise Express drops down in grade and start following. Usually gets back in the run, but if he can stay in touch from barrier 1, he will be flying late. Super Contented showed he was up to this class last start and can go close. Mr Aladdin has finished close up recently and can run well, improving type with more racing. Strongest Boy remains a maiden galloper but gets a chance to win here.
Race 3: Shinkansen more than capable of winning again in this race now that the penny seems to have dropped. Drawn well low in gate 2, Teetan should map kindly. Looks too strong late. Cheong Fat turned in a promising first-up run for a new trainer and should be open to more improvement second-up. Flying Phantom having third start and may improve here. Crystal Powerful last start winner who rises in class but he could measure up.
Race 4: A bit of depth to this race, despite the small field. Happy United well-placed and looks a chance in race like this. Didn’t dis- grace in his first try in the grade last start, has trialled well since and Purton rides from a good gate. Plenty to like. Heroic Master nice horse who is a model of consistency and looks a strong chance returning to this track. Fortune Warrior should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way. Harmony N Blessed showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight. Nicconi County turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly. May need 1200m, but will be strong late.
Race 5: Invincible Missile had genuine excuses last start and consider again. The drop back in distance suits, blinkers go back on and he has drawn well low. Should improve big time. Dragon Star should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way ash he usually does. Sturdy Ruby fresh up from a break and should run well. Satirical Glory has been knocking on the door and win won’t surprise anyone. He should benefit from a slightly better draw. Win Win Fighter has been placed last two starts and deserves a win soon.
Race 6: Beauty Infinity more than capable of winning again in this race after shedding his maiden tag in fine style second-up last start. From the J J Size yard, he appears to be a horse with more to come. Happy Trio placed last start and looks a chance to run well again from his low gate. Super Eagle looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. Ernest Feeling changed stables recently and has improved. However, he goes out to barrier 11 here, which looks tough. Scotch Tycoon had VET excuses last start and forget the run. Better than that. Go on the win two starts back.
Race 7: Quantum Patch had genuine excuses last start when caught wide. Still ran an okay race but he’s better than that. Positive jockey change but drawn wide. With a decent steer, he can atone. M Unicorn every chance last start but still ran a good race when beaten as the even-money favourite on his first run in Class 3. Give another chance. Tourbillon Prince should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way. Silver Sonic go on the win two starts ago and give a chance here. Star Contact caused a surprise last start when winning at big odds. Maybe he can run well again.
Race 8: Raging Blizzard nice 4YO with a good chance here as he comes to Happy Valley for the first time. Brings with him strong Sha Tin form and will have every chance to post back-to-back wins stepping away from a low gate. Watch Buddy form is good and must be rated a solid chance from his low barrier. Sugar Sugar eased early before going on to make late ground last. Surely barrier 1 helps his chances here. Bon’s A Pearla nice effort last start when storming home for a brilliant win. Armour Eagle well supported last start and won accordingly.