Karis Teetan believes Star Mac can measure up in the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) this Sunday at Sha Tin.
The lowest rated runner in the race on 64 and without a win from four starts in Hong Kong, Star Mac has the joint-least experience among the entries, however, continues to showcase an electrifying late burst which has returned two fast-finishing third placings in Class 3.
“I am really happy to be riding him. I think he’s an improving horse, I think he is improving with each run – it’s not a big field,” Teetan said.
Helios Express tops the entries on a towering mark of 102, while the rest rate 74 or above in the Hong Kong Classic Mile, the first leg of the HK$52 million Four-Year-Old Classic Series which also features the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) on March 3 and HK$26 million 147th Hong Kong Derby (2000m) on March 24.
“I think he’s one of those who can surprise. The race is wide open if you take out Helios Express. He’s happy wearing cheek pieces and I am happy to be on him,” Teetan said.
Star Mac won once in Australia pre-import, scoring at Seymour over 1400m as a two-year-old. He’s now trained by David Hayes in Hong Kong, who won Sunday’s contest in 1999 with Resfa and in 2001 with Charming City.