Aiming to consolidate an already strong season, Karis Teetan is excited at the opportunity to ride Young Champion for the first time when the emerging talent contests the Class 2 Sheung Yeung Shan Handicap (1400m) at Sha Tin on Saturday (16 March).
Ridden at his first two Hong Kong starts by James McDonald for a second and a last-start victory over 1400m on 25 February, Young Champion rises from Class 3 and will start from barrier nine in a field of 11.
“He looks like a really promising horse, he’s done everything right so far. Thanks to Mr Size for the opportunity, he’s a lovely horse to get on and also he goes into the race with a nice weight (116lb) on his back,” the Mauritian said of Young Champion.
“It’s a nice race for him. I’ve watched his trials and his races and it looks like he’s done everything right so far.”
Young Champion faces 10 rivals headed by The Golden Scenery (135lb), Fantastic Treasure (129lb), Flaming Rabbit (126lb), Keefy (122lb), Dancing Code (121lb), Blue Marlin (118lb), Find My Love (118lb), Lucky Encounter (117lb), Supreme Lucky (117lb) and I Give (115lb).
Formerly known as Sharlouk when trained by Johnny Murtagh in Ireland, Young Champion won a maiden and was runner-up in Listed company at Naas over 1400m.