Mask Rider scored a super impressive first-up win in Hong Kong last month and on Wednesday, the Justify gelding is aiming to repeat the dose in a quality Class 3 Shui Chuen O Handicap under Keagan De Melo at Sha Tin.
Mask Rider scores on the dirt with Keagan De Melo (Pic – HKJC)
Hong Kong’s midweek programme features nine races – all on dirt. De Melo steps from gate two against 11 rivals, including Dragon Air Force – a winner of his last two starts – in the HK$1.86 million contest.
Surprising in Class 3 at odds of 27/1 first-up in Hong Kong, former Australian-trained Mask Rider won three times pre-import, when known as Spicy Legend for trainer Peter Robl.
“He showed signs of being a promising horse. He delivered on race day – he had a nice soft lead in front with slow fractions and he was able to quicken up,” De Melo said.
Holding the rail on debut, Mask Rider – who is trained by Chris So – was able to lengthen on the home turn. Fast-closing duo Mojave Desert and Must Go, second and third last start, both reoppose this week.
“I watched his trial at Conghua and he came from off the pace. I don’t think it’s a problem for him, he’s a horse who can settle where he’s happy and he has a nice turn of foot. It’s probably going to suit him taking a sit with the extra seven pounds,” De Melo said.
“He’s just going to have improve that little bit more with the extra weight and I’m sure he’ll give me a good effort towards the end. As long as he settles and gives a good kick then you’ll see the best version of him.”
Following Sunday’s incidents at Sha Tin, Karis Teetan will deputise for injured Zac Purton aboard Ka Ying Rising in the HK$13 million Gr1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup on 23 February.
“It’s pretty exciting. The opportunity came and what happened to Zac is not a nice thing that happened. I must thank the owners and trainer David Hayes, who is really loyal to me, and as I have won on Ka Ying Rising before they’ve let me take the ride. It’s nice to feel appreciated and I’m looking forward to riding one of the world’s best horses,” Teetan said.
Teetan has trialled Ka Ying Rising previously and won last season’s 2024 HK$4.2 million Gr3 Sha Tin Vase Handicap atop the record-breaking sprinter. The Mauritian is expecting to trial the horse at Conghua this Friday.
Teetan has a full book of rides on Wednesday at Sha Tin, including Tomodachi Kokoroe in the HK$2.84 million Class 2 Tin Chak Handicap from barrier two for Hayes.
“I thought his run last time on the dirt was not a bad run. I think he’s going to have a good run this time from the draw with a nice weight on his back, and he’s working well, so I’m happy with the ride I have picked up as Zac was supposed to be on him,” Teetan said.
A four-time placegetter in Hong Kong, Glorious Success contests the Class 3 Green Island Handicap with Teetan on Wednesday for trainer David Eustace.
“I thought he was very gutsy last time how he finished off. He was off the bit quite a long way from home and he’s a horse who tries really hard and he handled the dirt pretty well. I think he’s going to go out there and perform to his best again,” said Teetan, who also rides Ensued in the HK$13 million Gr1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup on 23 February.
Jamie Richards is aiming to build on his stable’s nine wins this season. The New Zealander has three successes from his last 10 starts in Hong Kong. He saddles Lucky Touch in the Class 4 Po Shek Wu Handicap with Alexis Badel up from gate four.
“He handled himself well last start when third. I think with that experience under his belt it should stand him in good stead,” Richards said.
Wednesday’s nine-race all-dirt programme at Sha Tin commences at 12h45 with the Class 5 Diamond Hill Handicap.
