Karis Teetan believes Panfield is flourishing as his preparation continues for Sunday week’s (22 May) G1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2400m) at Sha Tin.
“He had a few runs where he wasn’t performing to his best but you could see that he ran well last time and what I’m feeling now is that he is coming back to himself,” Teetan said.
Chasing back-to-back wins in the final Group 1 of the season, Tony Millard’s five-year-old tuned up with Teetan this morning (Tuesday, 10 May) after closing for third last start at odds of 73/1 in the G1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m) behind Romantic Warrior.
“I like the way that he responded today, so I think Tony has him in good shape, it’s an important race for him so we’re going to give it a crack,” Teetan said.
Panfield rolled over the line first in his barrier trial this morning at Sha Tin, clocking 57.86s over 1000m on turf under urgings from the Mauritian.
“It’s nice to get back on him again this morning, it’s been a long time, he felt good and I was happy with the way that he behaved himself. He went down nicely, he stood in the gates very calmly and he jumped beautifully before following the speed throughout and when I put some pressure on him he responded well.
“I think the horse is running very well at the moment, he ran a good race last time, I think he’s going into this race in a way that he’s improving, that he’s getting better for the race,” Teetan outlined.
Panfield returned in excellent order first-up this term to nail victory in the G2 Oriental Watch 60th Anniversary Sha Tin Trophy Handicap (1600m), however, since then he has failed to find a placing across four runs until his latest effort.
“I will ride him in the race – these staying races are his go and there isn’t many of them, so a horse like this needs those long races. He won it last year and he was well prepped for it and I think where he is now, you feel like he’s in the same position going forward,” Teetan said.
Millard has entered Panfield for the G1 Takarazuka Kinen (2200m) at Hanshin in Japan on Sunday, 26 June.
“I’m not sure what they will be doing but there’s not many races for horses like him in Hong Kong after this Group 1 coming up, so if they have the opportunity to go and if he does do well next start and the owners and Tony believe he should go then it is totally up to them,” Teetan said.