Karis Teetan concedes extending beyond 1200m for the first time is a “small question mark” for outstanding sprinter Ka Ying Rising in the HK$13 million G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) at Sha Tin on Sunday (23 February), but the Mauritian is buoyed by David Hayes’ supreme confidence.
Ka Ying Rising has notched 10 wins from 12 starts, with only two narrow defeats, all over 1200m, rocketing from obscurity as an unraced 52-rater to status as one of the world’s premier sprinters after twice breaking Sha Tin’s course record.
With regular rider Zac Purton injured, Teetan reunites with the 132-rater for the first time since winning the G3 Sha Tin Vase Handicap (1200m) at Sha Tin last June, when the Shamexpress gelding carried only 115lb and demolished a class field, including three of Sunday’s rivals Howdeepisyourlove, Mugen and Invincible Sage.
“It’s a great opportunity that has come up, not in nice circumstances but I’m happy the other jockeys are recovering, but I’m thankful for the opportunity. It is my second time to ride Ka Ying Rising in a race and I’m looking forward to it,” Teetan said.
To jump from barrier nine, Ka Ying Rising also faces California Spangle, Helios Express, Beauty Eternal, Red Lion and Patch Of Theta as he bid for a 10th straight win and a third Group 1 triumph after last start victory in G1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m) in 1m 07.20s on 19 January.
“I think he’s going to be fine. He’s won from worse gates than nine,” Teetan said. “He’s a horse that can handle all the pressure that you can put on him, so 1400 metres is going to be a small question mark, but I think he’s going to be fine.
“I’m just looking forward to going out to ride him. He’s got a lot of natural speed and he led last time, so from that draw, he’s just going to use his natural speed and get into a position where he’s comfortable.
“He had a nice trial and he pulled up really good. He seems really well.”
Hayes believes Ka Ying Rising’s explosive sprint could be potentially even more spectacular at 1400m, provided the four-year-old relaxes in the early stages.
Hugh Bowman believes Helios Express, who has finished second three times and a third behind Ka Ying Rising in four starts this campaign, will better suited at 1400m.
“I think 1400 is more favourable for him than the 1200, actually. He’s been isolated to the sprint course so far this season but now he gets his chance to go a bit further and I think 1600 metres is within his repertoire further down the track,” Bowman said.
“The horse has been flying all season. He’s had to compete with Ka Ying Rising, who’s taking all before him but, that aside, the horse is going really well and I expect the same on the weekend.
“Our horse continues to develop, he’s going very well. He’s ticking over really nicely and I think we can expect a forward showing.”
Bowman also partners Francis Lui-trained Chancheng Glory in the HK$13 million G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) after the gelding’s impressive G3 Centenary Vase Handicap (1800m) success on 31 January.
“He’s going to meet some classier horses than last time, but there was a lot of merit in his performance with that win and I just loved the way he went about business,” Bowman said.
“He jumped out quickly, put himself in a favourable position and, when I needed him in the straight, he was there. With the set weight conditions of Sunday’s race, he drops a few pounds but he’s meeting some classy opposition at the same weight. His form is very consistent. I think he’s a worthy challenger.”
Chancheng Glory will drop from 130lb to 126lb in the Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup, where he meets Voyage Bubble, Galaxy Patch, Ensued, Happy Together, Straight Arron, Five G Patch, La City Blanche, Sword Point and Winning Dragon.
Irish jockey Declan McDonogh returns to Hong Kong this weekend and will ride Pearl Of Pang’s, Only U, Sunnyvale and Mr Vigor on the undercard.
Sunday’s (23 February) Sha Tin meeting starts with the Class 4 Citi Wealth Handicap (1400m) at 1pm.
By Leo Schlink
