Karis Teetan is hopeful Hong Kong International Sale graduate Patch Of Theta can make the grade in Sunday 19 January’s HK$13 million Gr1 Stewards’ Cup at Sha Tin when Francis Lui’s improving galloper tries horse racing’s elite level for the first time.
Seven potential rivals await Patch Of Theta and the Mauritian jockey, led by dual Group 1 winner Voyage Bubble, victorious in this race last year. Galaxy Patch, Beauty Eternal, California Spangle, Beauty Joy, Chancheng Glory and Red Lion are also entered to run.
Patch Of Theta – has won 6 of 14 starts at Sha Tin (Pic – HKJC)
“Whatever they have thrown at him (Patch Of Theta), he has responded to pretty well. He has lots of ability and his win last time under a light weight (115lb) – you can’t fault him, but jumping into a Group 1 against the likes of Voyage Bubble is going to be a tough task,” Teetan said.
“Patch Of Theta is an improving horse. We have respect for the other horses but I think our horse is doing well so far, and if he gets the right run then he’s going to be competitive.”
The mile challenge is the first leg of Hong Kong’s Triple Crown. If successful in all three races, connections receive a HK$10 million bonus. The HK$13 million Gr1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) is leg two on 23 February, while the series concludes on 25 May with the HK$13 million G1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2400m).
Bought for HK$8,6 million at the 2023 Hong Kong International Sale, Patch Of Theta boasts earnings of HK$1,19 million as Teetan aims for a third win from as many pairings with the 108-rater for owner Angela Yeung.
Patch Of Theta was a convincing victor of the HK$4.2 million Gr3 Chinese Club Challenge Cup Handicap on 1 January at Sha Tin under Teetan.
“After every run since last season, you can feel he’s getting better. He’s yet to run outside of the top three across his whole career – so his form doesn’t lie.
“I’ve worked him at trackwork after his last run and I feel he’s going very well. After this race we will know more about him,” Teetan said.
Patch Of Theta has won six times from 14 starts in Hong Kong, steadily rising from a rating of 52 by prevailing in Class 4, Class 3, Class 2 and Group 3 to reach his current peak mark.
“It’s going to be a good race. I’m looking forward to riding him. It’s always nice getting on horses like him in big races because they’re a bit unknown but as you know they have ability,” Teetan said.
