Seeking his first BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) triumph, Karis Teetan believes impeccably-bred Russian Emperor is capable of delivering breakthrough success at Sha Tin on Sunday (21 March).
By Irish super sire Galileo out of champion Australian mare Atlantic Jewel, Russian Emperor charged to the line when second over 1800m in the Hong Kong Classic Cup behind Healthy Happy on 21 February, fuelling Teetan’s belief the Ascot G3 winner is ready to fire.
“I’m looking forward to the Derby this season, I would say this could be my best Derby ride since I got to Hong Kong,” the Mauritian said of Douglas Whyte’s charge. “I’m excited and looking forward to it.
“Of course, it’s going to be interesting for Douglas, too. For a new trainer to have a horse like that in the Derby is pretty interesting.
“Hopefully, we do well and his trial was good last week and so we’re looking forward to it.”
Teetan’s best Hong Kong Derby finish so far is eighth – a position attained by Thunder Fantasy (2015) and also Amazing Beats (2020).
Winner of the G3 Hampton Court Stakes (1993m) at Ascot on 17 June, 2020, Russian Emperor improved significantly in the Hong Kong Classic Cup to emerge as one of the leading Derby contenders.