Mr Incredible will return to Sha Tin on Monday, 19 October, with the 2027 Four-Year-Old Classic Series emerging as the major objective of the season. The promising prospect will line up in the Lek Yuen Handicap over 1200 metres as trainer Brett Crawford begins a carefully planned campaign towards Hong Kong’s prestigious HK$56 million three-race challenge.
The Toronado gelding made a strong impression last season, recording three victories by a combined six and three-quarter lengths. His rapid rise took him to a rating of 80 after a Class 3 success, establishing him as a name to follow among Hong Kong’s emerging talent.
Mr Incredible will reunite with Karis Teetan for his return, carrying 135lb from barrier 11. The assignment follows a third-place finish in a barrier trial at Conghua on 28 September, where he clocked 57.21 seconds behind Eternal Fortune, with subsequent winner Ka Ying Attack finishing second.
Crawford, who recorded 28 wins and secured Group 3 success during his first season training in Hong Kong, believes the horse has matured and is ready to progress towards longer distances. His plan is to increase the challenge gradually, allowing the gelding to build experience before tackling the major four-year-old contests.
The trainer was encouraged by the speed displayed in the recent trial and remains confident that Mr Incredible can handle his allotted weight. With a lengthy season ahead, further improvement is expected as the campaign unfolds.
Teetan is also looking forward to the reunion, expecting the horse to benefit from additional maturity and experience. Monday’s race will provide the first competitive indication of his progress since last season.
Mr Incredible Targets the Hong Kong Classic Mile
The Four-Year-Old Classic Series will begin with the HK$14 million Hong Kong Classic Mile over 1600 metres on 31 January 2027. The series will continue with the HK$14 million Hong Kong Classic Cup over 1800 metres on 28 February, before concluding with the 150th Hong Kong Derby over 2000 metres on 21 March, carrying prize money of HK$28 million.
For Mr Incredible, the gradual step up in distance will be central to the preparation. His connections will be looking for consistent progress as he moves from sprint trips towards the longer races that define the series.
Crawford’s approach is to allow each engagement to serve as a building block, keeping the major targets in focus while giving the horse time to develop. The Hong Kong Classic Mile will be the first significant test if the gelding continues along the planned route.
Galaxy Patch Prepared for November Return
Crawford is also planning the next stage of Galaxy Patch’s campaign, with the horse scheduled to contest the HK$5.35 million Group 2 BOCHK Private Wealth Jockey Club Mile over 1600 metres before the HK$36 million Group 1 Hong Kong Mile.
Galaxy Patch will bypass Monday’s HK$5.35 million Group 2 Sha Tin Trophy Handicap. Crawford believes the November and December assignments offer more suitable conditions and a better opportunity to prepare the horse for his principal target.
The plan includes a barrier trial before the November race. Crawford has been pleased with Galaxy Patch’s recent performances over seven furlongs and expects the horse to improve further when stepping up to a mile.
Teetan Takes Another Chance in the Sha Tin Trophy
Teetan will have another notable ride on Monday, partnering Group 3 winner Light Years Charm for trainer David Eustace in the Sha Tin Trophy. The horse will carry 115lb and start from barrier two.
The jockey reported that Light Years Charm had produced an encouraging trial at Happy Valley and had returned from the break in good condition. Teetan will be aiming for a third Sha Tin Trophy victory, having previously won the race with Designs On Rome in 2016 and Panfield in 2021.
Monday’s 11-race programme at Sha Tin begins at 12.30pm with the Class 5 Shek Mun Handicap over 1800 metres. Mr Incredible’s return will be among the day’s key talking points as attention begins to turn towards Hong Kong’s major contests for four-year-olds in 2027.
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