Teetan, who partnered Panfield to his most important victory so far in Hong Kong when claiming the 2021 G1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2400m) for Tony Millard, believes Alacrity (133lb) is a quality galloper but will need further than Sunday’s assignment to show his best.
“It was a nice trial for him at Happy Valley. I think he’s a progressive horse. He’s ready to run but I think he’ll need a bit further,” the Mauritian said. “With the barrier draw (13), we are going to have to give a chance to finish off but he’s a nice horse, a promising horse and when we go further, we will see the best of him.”
Beauty Eternal, who starts from barrier one for Zac Purton, fellow last-start winner Majestic Colour, who will be ridden by Derek Leung from gate 12, and Find My Love, who starts from barrier 14 for Matthew Chadwick, have all been entered for the HK$12 million BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) on 19 March.
Richards, who has prepared 14 winners to date in his first term, will also introduce unraced Brazen Beau gelding Laser Victory in the Class 4 Ko Shing Handicap (1200m) under Zac Purton.
A three-year-old, Laser Victory impressed with an untested third in a 1200m trial at Happy Valley on 28 January under Purton, but starts from barrier 12 on Sunday.
Teetan will have his first ride on John Size-trained Bourbonaire (127lb) in the Class 2 Belcher Bay Handicap (1400m) as the Darci Brahma gelding attempts to regain top form after a consistent 2021/22 season.
“Of course, it’s a bit short for him. He’s last couple of runs haven’t been his best and he needs to find his form again. He’s the drawn the outside (barrier eight) in a small field, so he will get his chance especially if we get a bit of rain,” Teetan said.
The field is headed by Benno Yung’s Ka Ying Master (130lb), who will be ridden by Harry Bentley. Bentley has been confirmed as Senor Toba’s rider in the QAT G1 H. H. The Amir Trophy (2400m) at Al Rayyan Racecourse, Qatar on 18 February.