Teetan raring to go after testing sore shoulder aboard staying star Panfield

Karis Teetan tested his fitness aboard Group One winner Panfield at Friday morning’s trials and he is confident his injured shoulder can handle a full book of 10 rides at Sha Tin on Sunday.

The Mauritian suffered bruising when falling from Yoo Yoo King in a tragic accident at Happy Valley on Wednesday night and was stood down from his remaining rides, but his absence from the saddle will be a short one.

“I was not going to force myself to ride but after speaking to the doctors, they said there’s nothing broken and no tissue damage, just some bruises from the impact,” Teetan said.

“They said if I feel fine it’ll be OK. I rode two horses [on Friday] morning and I feel OK, I’m still a bit sore in the shoulder area towards the neck but Sunday should be OK.”

One of those two horses was Champions & Chater Cup victor Panfield, who Teetan said “moved well and felt good” in a 1,200m hit-out on the all-weather track ahead of his return in next Sunday’s Group Two Sha Tin Trophy (1,600m).

“I think the horse is going very well and he has really taken a step forward mentally and physically,” the Mauritian said.

First things first, however, and Teetan will partner a galloper with plenty of similarities to Panfield at Sha Tin this weekend – another three-time Chilean Group One winner and a fellow son of Lookin At Lucky in Hongkong Great.

Hongkong Great races for the first time since May in the Class Two Tsuen Lok Handicap (1,200m) on the all-weather track, with Teetan giving the six-year-old a chance from gate one despite his three Hong Kong victories coming over the extended dirt mile.

“It’s nice to pick up this horse, he was very impressive last season. I trialled him last week and it’s amazing the feel he gives you,” Teetan said.

“He just floats on the dirt and now I can believe why he has won all those races like that on the dirt. It’s going to be a bit short for him but he’s got a good gate so I hope he shows a bit of speed out of the gates and if we can get him towards the leader then he should have a good shout.”

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After an opening-day treble and two other early winners, Teetan has had a few lean weeks and goes to the races open minded about his chances of adding to his six victories so far this season.

“I think I’ve got an open book and I’m just hoping for a good day,” he said, adding that he thinks Chunghhwa Jingshen and Smart Idea are two gallopers who should come on nicely after runner-up performances last time out.

Teetan partners another last-start placegetter in London Luckystar in the Class Four Tak Wah Handicap (1,650m) on the all-weather track, while Star Of Yuen Long heads into the Class Three Yeung Uk Handicap (1,200m) on the back of a close fourth under the suspended Zac Purton last month.

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