Star Mac may be the lowest-rated galloper ever to tackle the Classic Mile but that’s of little concern to his jockey Karis Teetan.

Promoted to a mark of 64 after his last-start third over the same course and distance as Sunday’s Classic Mile, Star Mac is 10 points below the next lowest-rated galloper in the contest, Fallon, and 38 shy of raging favourite Helios Express.

“There’s almost 40 points difference with Helios Express and Howdeepisyourlove, so it’s a big margin in the ratings, but he gave me a good feel last time,” Teetan said of Star Mac, who backs up seven days after finishing off strongly at Sha Tin.

“I know the mile is a bit sharp for him but I’m not worried about the 64 rating because I think he’s a progressive type and the further he goes, the better he will get.

“He’s only had one race overseas and he won it. He’s only had four runs in Hong Kong. The first time he ran from a wide gate, the second time he ran third and last time I thought he ran great.

“I thought the cheek pieces did a massive job on the horse and made him focus a lot. I’m going into the race knowing he’s an improving horse and I’m just going to give him the best ride to make sure he finishes strongly.”

Victorious aboard Romantic Warrior in 2022 Classic Mile, Teetan will bid to deliver trainer David Hayes a third success in the race 23 years after his second, with the Australian saluting with Charming City in 2001 after claiming the contest for the first time with Resfa in 1999.

Teetan chases a first victory in the afternoon’s other feature, the Group Three Centenary Vase (1,800m), aboard the Tony Cruz-trained La City Blanche.

“He’s been running well. Last time was a great run from him and he finished off very strongly,” said the Mauritian jockey.

“Tony always said he likes Happy Valley more than Sha Tin, but you look at his race [when third in the Group Three Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse (1,800m)] and I thought it was a great run.

“He goes in with no weight on his back and I think it’s going to be an interesting race. I think the longer straight at Sha Tin will be great for him.”

Cruz hopes Fallon can fly again as he launches two-pronged Classic Mile assault

Also among Teetan’s full book of 10 rides is Frankie Lor Fu-chuen-trained debutant Illuminous and Douglas Whyte’s Xponential, who chases a second consecutive all-weather track victory in the Class Two Azalea Handicap (1,200m).

Seasons Wit and Chancheng Prince have another crack at Xponential after placing behind him on Boxing Day, while Youthful Deal, Gummy Gummy and Magniac add intrigue to what shapes as a cracking contest.