Teetan seeks second IJC crown

Karis Teetan is predicting fierce competition in the 2024 Longines International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) when 12 of the world’s best jockeys converge on Wednesday at Happy Valley after the allocation of rides was completed at Sha Tin.

Teetan, who won the title in 2019, partners Champion Method (58.5kg), Chater Gold (54.5kg), Silo (57.5kg) and Sugar Sugar (61kg) as he chases a second overall win in the HK$1 million competition after victory in 2019. He is one of four previous Longines IJC champions representing Hong Kong, China along with Zac Purton, Vincent Ho and Hugh Bowman this year.

“I thought the one who stands out is Champion Method. He’s got a good gate (No 2) and he’s been running well – last start was a good win. I think it’s going to be a tough competition. It looks like everyone has their fair share of chances,” Teetan said.

Champion Method features in the 1st Leg of the IJC for trainer Danny Shum over 1000m as Race 4.

This will be Teetan’s sixth appearance in the world’s most lucrative jockey challenge, which offers HK$600,000 for the winning rider.

Ryan Moore (Great Britain), James McDonald (New Zealand), Colin Keane (Ireland), William Buick (Great Britain), Yuga Kawada (Japan), Hollie Doyle (Great Britain), Rachel King (Australia) and Mickael Barzalona (France) complete the 12-rider roster.

The competition is a points-based system with 12 points for the win, six for second and four for finishing third. The overall champion is determined as the jockey with the highest accumulated points at the conclusion of the fourth leg.

Chater Gold has gate 12 to overcome in the second Leg of the IJC over 1650m. Silo is after a first Hong Kong win, having missed three times this season by under a length. The colt features in the third Leg of the IJC over 1650m.

Sugar Sugar rounds out Teetan’s quartet in the fourth Leg of the IJC for trainer Caspar Fownes, who has eight runners across the four races. Using the same scale, the trainer who has the highest number of points scoops a HK$300,000 bonus.

“I think the horses who have a chance also got good draws, so it’s going to make it tough. Sugar Sugar always runs well. He’s got an awkward draw (No 9) to overcome but I think it’s a strong race. It’s a good race to finish and I think it’ll be the decider – there’s a few runners with great chances in the race,” Teetan said.

Three-time IJC winner (2017, 2020, 2021) Zac Purton rides Sight Happy, Charming Steed, Aestheticism and Giant Leap in the four IJC contests from barriers No 5, No 2, No 4 and No 1, respectively.

“I would have preferred a bit more quality there,” Purton said. “I think I have my work cut out for me. Giant Leap came out of a weak Class 4. He jumped well in front and took advantage of that, now he is up in grade. Charming Steed has won in Class 5 and he’s in Class 4 and he hasn’t raced for however long.” – Hong Kong Jockey Club

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: The Azure has produced a few solid efforts at the bottom of Class 4 and looks ready to break through on his Class 5 debut, especially with Purton aboard. Kasa Papa had genuine excuses last start and will show improvement with better luck in running. Ivictoriam stormed home for a slashing third last time out and has to be respected with J-Mac jumping in the saddle. Invincible Missile caught the eye flashing home late into second last start and cannot be ignored despite the wide draw. Manythanks Forever capable of causing an upset and worth considering if his odds offer value.

Race 2: Tattenham badly held up at a crucial stage last start and can make amends with a smoother run this time. Winning Heart his recent runs have been encouraging, and with a top jockey in the saddle, he can go one place better after a narrow last-start defeat. Super Eagle his last run suggests another win is just around the corner, and he should endure a nice trip from pole position. Fairy Horse having dropped in the ratings, he can upset some more fancied rivals if he returns to his best form. Wind Speeder let down well over 1000m last start and the extra distance should suit him better.

Race 3: Youth Power received betting support but travelled wide throughout last start. Worth considering again, especially with a low draw. Mighty Strength has shown solid form at Sha Tin and is likely to find this easier on his Happy Vally debut. Lucky Touch scored a facile win in this class last start and looks poised to secure a double. Corleone has been improving with each run and could place at value, not out of it. Viva Hunter a fast beginner, he could sneak into the placings if allowed an uncontested lead.

Race 4: Champion Method was well supported and scored accordingly last start. From an ideal draw, he is well placed to go back-to-back. Lean Master looks always a threat in Class 4 and can bounce back anytime. Rates highly. Circuit Seven finished strongly from a wide barrier last time out and could secure a spot in the Top 3 with a much better draw. Sight Happy looks well placed and can be placed at value. Super Sixty he has the ability but is inconsistent. If he finds his best form, he could surprise at odds.

Race 5: Jumbo Fortune has been placed four times from his last five starts, and his consistency could be rewarded with Bowman aboard from a low draw. Viva Chaleur showed improvement with a fast-finishing third last start and looks primed to break through locally, especially with Ryan Moore taking the reins. Golden Darci did not disgrace at his last run and must be rated a chance here. Can’t Go Wong charged home strongly last start and will make his presence felt under the right race shape. Chater Gold likes to get back and make a late surge, and will run well if the pace suits

Race 6: Masterofmyuniverse turned in a strong debut run and looks on track to break through despite the awkward draw. Team Happy a proven performer at this level, he could be hard to run down with a soft lead, which looks likely from an inside draw. Smart Fighter has shown consistent form in Class 4 and deserves plenty of respect. Street Conqueror returned to his best form last time out and a double is within his reach despite the wide draw. Crystal Powerful his last run was better than it reads and he could surprise at value with a better run in transit.

Race 7: Super Unicorn was demoted to second after a protest was upheld last start and is set to make amends with a good draw. Daring Pursuit a winner of his last two starts, he is well placed to continue his winning ways, especially with Ryan Moore aboard. Soleil Fighter possesses tactical speed and can upset some more fancied rivals on his best form. Aestheticism caught the eye flashing home late last time out and looks a strong chance with Purton in the saddle. Silo is edging closer to a local breakthrough and should not be ignored.

Race 8: Spicy Gold he has remained unbeaten in his last three starts. With plenty of scope, he looks hard to beat again despite the rise in class. Gustosisimo with his versatility in running, he should be highly competitive again after a narrow but impressive win last time out. Super Joy N Fun he finished powerfully from a wide barrier last start and should map closer to the speed with a better draw this time. Kyrus Dragon a winner of his last two starts, he remains a strong chance despite the rise in weights. Chateauneuf from a good draw, he should deliver an improved performance with James McDonald aboard.

Race 9: Stunning Peach a talented 3YO, he finished strongly over 1600m first-up and is ideally weighted to make amends with added fitness and the extra distance. Karma with an explosive turn of foot, he can make his presence felt if the race unfolds in his favour. Chill Chibi charged home strongly to score a decisive win in this class last start and is now aiming for a double. Yellowfin is better than his recent form suggests and could surprise at odds. Moments In Time dropping back from a Group race, he could show improvement in Class 2, where he is a proven performer.