Karis Teetan hopeful of strong showing from Victor The Winner

By Leo Schlink

Aware of the magnitude of Victor The Winner’s challenge as he bids to topple champion sprinter Lucky Sweynesse in Class 1 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup Handicap (1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday (10 September), Karis Teetan says tactics will be crucial in the HK$3.72 million season-opening feature.

Teetan hopes Victor The Winner, who posted five victories over Sha Tin’s 1200m course before being defeated by Lucky Sweynesse in the G3 Sha Tin Vase Handicap (1200m) on 4 June, can again contend on the basis of recent solid trials.

“His first trial, I thought he needed it and I was pleased with his last trial, he felt good. He’s got fresh legs on him and so I was happy with the trial,” Teetan said of Monday’s hit-out.

“You have got to respect Lucky Sweynesse, he’s one of the best sprinters in the world so of course he’s going to be a challenge. Last time (the G3 Sha Tin Vase Handicap), Victor The Winner ran a good race, but we were challenged a bit early in the race so we had to work a little harder throughout the race.

“I think this time if he gets his own way a bit and with the weight difference and the way the horse is feeling, I think he should be a big runner.”

Victor The Winner (115lb) will again receive 20lb from three-time Group 1 winner Lucky Sweynesse (135lb) in the pair’s rematch and Teetan is hopeful Danny Shum’s charge will eventually develop into a genuine topliner.

“I think he (Victor The Winner) is a horse on the rise. He’s going to go up in the grade. He’s always run well - he might have had only one disappointing run in Hong Kong - so you can’t fault him. I think, with time, he’s just going to get stronger.

“I know he’s five now but I think he’s got a brilliant season in front of him. Lucky Sweynesse is the big sprinter in Hong Kong but I think he (Victor The Winner) is the new one who will come on and maybe put a bit of a challenge.”

With 13 wins from 17 starts, 131-rater Lucky Sweynesse on Sunday concedes 20lb pounds to his five rivals - Victor The Winner, Rewarding Together, Adios, Ima Single Man and Youthful Deal - as trainer Manfred Man plots a path towards more Group 1 glory.

Alexis Badel, who spent the off-season riding successfully in France and Japan, will partner Adios for Frankie Lor and believes fitness will play a key role on Sunday after recent weather events, including Typhoon Saola, interrupted preparations for the start to the 2023/24 season.

“Adios looks okay, I think it’s going to be the same problem for everyone to see who’s ready and fit or not (because of weather disruptions). Victor The Winner seems to have had more work but Adios feels good in the morning,” said the BMW Hong Kong Derby-winning rider.

“I had a good holiday, a mix of relaxing time and riding. It was interesting to maintain some physical activity and being able to win in France and Japan was quite unexpected but actually very good. Now we start again.”

Sunday’s season-opening meeting starts with the Class 5 Mount Parker Handicap (1600m) at 12.25pm.