Trailing only Zac Purton in the Hong Kong jockeys’ championship, Karis Teetan hopes to enhance another productive season when he partners emerging talent Mugen in the HK$3.72 million Class 1 Chinese New Year Cup Handicap (1400m) at Sha Tin on Monday (12 February) when the Mauritian takes a full book of rides.
With 43 wins so far, Teetan is second in the 2023/24 standings behind six-time champion Purton (63) after 44 meetings and hopes Pierre Ng stablemates Mugen and Galaxy Patch continue to make impressive headway.
Mugen (115lb) faces only five rivals in the afternoon’s feature – Courier Wonder (135lb), Duke Wai (131lb), Super Wealthy (131lb), Red Lion (125lb) and Running Glory (125lb) – and Teetan hopes the gelding can continue the form which has seen him notch three wins and a third from four placings this term.
“He’s taking on stronger horses again, but he goes in with a nice weight. It’s a small race and I think he’s going to have his chance,” Teetan said. “The speed is going to be a tactic in the race, but if he can get the right run – of course, he’s been doing very well this season – he should run well.”