Sha Tin will host an 11-race programme on Saturday, June 27, with several promising performers set to take centre stage, including Brett Crawford’s emerging three-year-old Mr Incredible, who is looking to build on an encouraging start to his career.
The Australian-bred Toronado gelding will attempt to record his third victory from four appearances when he steps into Class 3 company for the first time in the Class 3 Shek Sheung River Handicap (1200m). Jockey Karis Teetan, who has partnered Mr Incredible throughout his short career, believes the talented bay still has plenty of room for improvement.
Mr Incredible is the focus of attention as he enters the Sha Tin racecard with a growing reputation following a strong debut season.
Teetan recently travelled to Conghua to ride Mr Incredible in a barrier trial, where the three-year-old produced an impressive display over 1000 metres. He finished strongly to record a time of 57.41 seconds, pulling clear by four-and-three-quarter lengths.
“He has come on from that trial,” Teetan said. “He had not raced for a while, so it was about letting him relax and stretch out before asking him in the final stages. He pulled up well and has improved.”
Mr Incredible will carry 126lb on Saturday after his rating climbed 18 points to 70 during his first campaign. The rise left him just short of a mark required for entry into this year’s Four-Year-Old Classic Series, but Teetan feels the youngster could have a bigger future ahead.
“I definitely believe he’s a next-season horse,” Teetan said. “When he goes up in distance, he may even improve further. For now, we are happy with how he is progressing and it will be interesting to see how he handles the stronger class.”
The racecard at Sha Tin also features another in-form runner, Pierre Ng-trained Aeroinvincible, who will look to continue a productive run in the Class 3 Tan Shan River Handicap (1400m).
Ridden by Andrea Atzeni, Aeroinvincible has won five times in his career, with three of those successes coming since February. The five-year-old Per Incanto gelding arrives after proving his ability at Class 3 level last time out.
“He has been running well throughout the season,” Atzeni said. “It took some time for him to reach his best, but he showed last time that he belongs at this level.”
Atzeni will also partner David Eustace-trained Colourful King in the Class 1 The Pearce Memorial Challenge Cup Handicap (1000m). The four-year-old returns to his preferred distance after a below-par effort at Happy Valley and connections are hoping for a return to his earlier season form.
“He was not himself last time,” Atzeni explained. “Coming back to 1000 metres suits him, and if the pace is strong, hopefully he can finish off well.”
The Sha Tin meeting begins at 4pm with the Class 5 Kam Tin River Handicap (1200m), offering a full afternoon of competitive racing featuring established names and rising talents.
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