While Moreira’s away, Teetan can play
Clint Hutchison
– With Joao Moreira out due to suspension Karis Teetan has a couple of excellent opportunities to add to his season’s tally with runners the champion jockey would have ridden, including last start winner Seven Luck.
Earlier this term, on his first start for rookie trainer Frankie Lor Seven Luck drew the wrong side down the straight course but proved too strong for his rivals and clearly appears to have come back a much stronger horse this season for the new handler.
Some of his Happy Valley runs last season were sound and now that he appears to have genuinely improved, he looks a top chance to win again given the handicapper was quite lenient with a 3kg penalty
Hong Kong
for his first-up win this term. He appeals as a Win bet. Teetan teams up with Lor in the second event with Confucius Spirit who also looks a great chance to notch his third Hong Kong win.
This seven-year-old import was rather impressive in an all-weather trial, his first since joining Lor, and based on his overall work leading in to this event, could take some beating.
His last win-rating was 41, so he is well enough treated on a mark of 43 and with a touch of luck from a middle drawn should be a sound Eachway chance.
David Ferraris’ Sangria can be included if taking a Trifecta, as he has shown nice progress in two runs this preparation and if he can hold the form from his last outing then he can hit the frame again. Also included in Trifecta selections are Merrygowin and Bond Elegance. The former has more upside than most but needs luck from an awkward draw while Bond Elegance gets a drop in grade and can race on-pace.
The third of Teetan’s chances is in the feature race, The Kwoon Chung Bus Cup (Race 7), where Premiere bids to land his second win this season following a dominant display over the minimum trip at Sha Tin a month ago.
The move to the city course is only a bonus, with Premiere having won three of seven around the tight circuit and is clearly in good order.
He can box seat or take up the running and if able to hold his form then is a deserved favourite.
It might be worth taking an Exacta as there could be good value with Archippus and Mr Genuine making some appeal. They have both run well in defeat this season but also are likely to settle toward the rear, which may not appeal to punters and are likely to inject some value as a result.