Karis Teetan is optimistic that Always My Folks can finally break through for his first career win at Happy Valley on Wednesday night (25 June). The consistent chestnut gelding has been knocking on the door for victory, finishing within a length of the winner in his last two appearances.
Drawn wide in barrier nine, Always My Folks faces a tricky task in the Class 4 Hereford Handicap (1200m), but Teetan believes the gelding has improved since his previous run. The Mauritian rider, who has already enjoyed Group 1 success this season with Ka Ying Rising, has been familiarizing himself with the three-year-old in trackwork and likes what he’s seen.
“I’ve worked him since his last race and he feels like he’s progressed. The draw isn’t ideal, but I know him better now, and I expect him to be competitive,” Teetan shared.
Owned by So Wing Keung, Always My Folks—a son of Capitalist—will take on a field of experienced runners, including topweight Mega Bonus, Never Too Soon, Lahore, and several others, in a competitive 12-horse contest.
Meanwhile, British jockey Harry Bentley is aiming to extend the winning run of Wrote A New Page in the first section of the Class 4 Lancashire Handicap (1650m). The lightly raced runner showed promise with a tough victory last time, and Bentley believes there’s more to come.
“I thought he was strong at the finish with a bit left in hand. He enjoys the Happy Valley track and still has improvement in him,” Bentley commented.
Another exciting runner on the card is Storm Rider, who finally shed his bridesmaid tag with a commanding three-length win for trainer David Hayes earlier this month. The four-year-old returns to action in the Class 3 Selkirk Handicap (1200m), where he’s drawn ideally in barrier one under Hugh Bowman.
“He’s always been around the placings, but last start everything clicked, and he delivered. I think he’ll eventually be suited over a mile, but for now, he’s back in good form and handles the Valley well,” Hayes noted.
The evening also features the consistent Aestheticism, representing Pierre Ng. The New Zealand-bred gelding has one win and four placings this season and will be partnered again by Andrea Atzeni in the Class 3 Renfrew Handicap (1650m).
“He’s been very reliable, and with the right trip, he’ll finish strongly. He enjoys Happy Valley, and I’m hopeful for another solid run,” Ng added.
Ng, who finished second in last season’s trainers’ standings, has picked up 39 wins so far this campaign and will saddle six runners across the nine-race card.
The meeting gets underway at 6:40 PM with the Class 5 Chester Handicap (1200m), promising an exciting evening of competitive racing at the iconic city circuit.
