Raging Blizzard heads to Happy Valley in search of city riches
Raging Blizzard has stepped up his game this season with a pair of wins, and Wednesday night he will attempt to emulate his Sha Tin heroics at Happy Valley.
Trained by John Size and to be ridden again by Karis Teetan, Raging Blizzard has had only four starts in Hong Kong – all at Sha Tin. The four-year-old scored at his first time of asking in Class 3 last month with a smart success over Gorgeous Win.
Teetan knows the improving Raging Blizzard well, and he believes that effort combined with barrier three will stand the Per Incanto gelding in good stead as he encounters the tight turns, bright lights, and unique atmosphere that Happy Valley offers for the first time.
“It’s (barrier three) going to make a big difference at the end. The good thing about him is that he has some nice speed which will help him. I’m looking forward to riding him,” Teetan said.
Raging Blizzard faces Bon’s A Pearla (135lb), Armour Eagle (131lb), Watch Buddy (120lb), Golden Samurai (119lb) and more in the 12-runner finale.
“It was a very good win last time. By saying that, I believe he had a lot of things go his way – he had a decent draw, nice trail into the race and got a nice split. Everything worked out pretty well and he has a nice draw on Wednesday, so let’s hope he gets a good run again,” Teetan said.
The bay crossed the line third in a recent barrier trial at Sha Tin. He clocked 46.20s for that effort over 800m on turf.
“He just had a little stretch. I was pretty happy, he was very comfortable and he is ready,” Teetan said.
With 37 wins this season – including 16 since the start of December – Teetan is on track to eclipse last term’s return of 56 triumphs, which was hampered due to an extended stint sidelined with illness. Tomorrow’s fixture is the 38th of 88 scheduled to run this term.
The Mauritian ace has seven rides at Happy Valley, including Shinkansen, who tackles the second section of the Class 4 Club Handicap (1200m) for trainer Douglas Whyte.
“It was a good win last time and the horse has improved a lot. I thought he had a good run through and he should get a similar run this time,” Teetan said.
Teetan will partner Fantastic Treasure in Sunday’s HK$13 million Group 1 Stewards’ Cup (1200m) at Sha Tin for trainer David Hayes.
“He’s going well. I worked him a few days ago and he’s working well. He has to take on some big boys but I thought last time he ran a cheeky race and if he gets the right run he might earn some prize money,” the rider said.
Teetan is booked to ride Taj Dragon in the HK$13 million Group 1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m) on January 28 at Sha Tin for trainer Pierre Ng. The five-year-old won the HK$4.2 million Group 3 Chinese Club Challenge Cup Handicap (1400m) earlier this month.
“It was a good win last time. He comes back in trip. Pierre’s stable is flying at the moment – his horses are running really well and this horse is in form. Take Lucky Sweynesse out and I believe it’s a very open field,” Teetan said.
Wednesday’s eight-race fixture at Happy Valley commences at 7.10pm.