The HK$56 million Four-Year-Old Classic Series – worth record prizemoney across the three-race challenge – doesn’t commence until 31 January next year, but talented hopeful Mr Incredible (135lb) makes his return on Monday (19 October) at Sha Tin.

After bursting onto the scene last term with three wins by a combined six and three-quarter lengths, Mr Incredible will begin his march towards the HK$14 million Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) after finishing third in a barrier trial at Conghua on 28 September.

Brett Crawford, who secured 28 wins and captured Group 3 success in his first season training in Hong Kong, said: “He’s definitely matured. He’s going along the right path, and he’s always looked like a horse who will be able to step up in distance as well.

“The plan we’ve got for him works out well. Each race he will step up and, ultimately, we get to the Four-Year-Old Classic Series and go right through it.”

Mr Incredible’s rapid rise last season vaulted him to an 80 rating as a Class 3 victor, the grade he’ll return in on Monday under Karis Teetan in the Lek Yuen Handicap (1200m).

The Toronado gelding clocked 57.21s in his 28 September barrier trial behind Eternal Fortune, while subsequent winner Ka Ying Attack was second. Mr Incredible breaks from barrier 11.

“I’ve been happy with him. He has a long season ahead of him. I think whatever happens next Monday, he will certainly continue to improve,” Crawford said.

“I was really happy with his trial and the speed he showed in that trial, and he’s a big horse; he will carry the weight – I’m not worried about that.”

Teetan is looking forward to reuniting with Mr Incredible: “He’s a bit older now, so we expect him to improve a bit more with his age. We’re looking forward to going back to the races.”

The Four-Year-Old Classic Series is the testing ground for Hong Kong racing’s up-and-comers. The Series begins with the Hong Kong Classic Mile, followed by the HK$14 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) on 28 February before the 150th HK$28 million Hong Kong Derby (2000m) on 21 March.

Galaxy Patch next runs in the HK$5.35 million G2 BOCHK Private Wealth Jockey Club Mile (1600m) before the HK$36 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m), with Crawford opting against Monday’s HK$5.35 million G2 Sha Tin Trophy Handicap (1600m).

“He’ll run in November,” Crawford said. “We took the view that to run him in another handicap would be another hard race for him. Whereas in November and December – both races are similar conditions to weight-for-age, and we thought it would be more beneficial for him there.

“I thought third run for December would be ideal and that’s the route we’ve chosen. He will trial before November. The two runs he’s had for the yard over seven furlongs have been good. When he steps up to a mile, he’ll be even better.”

Teetan combines with trainer David Eustace aboard Group 3 winner Light Years Charm (115lb) in the Sha Tin Trophy, drawn in barrier two.

“He’s got no weight on his back. He trialled really well at Happy Valley – he gave me a good feel,” Teetan said. “I think with that weight on his back, he has a fresh set of legs after the break, and David’s had him feeling good – I’m looking forward to riding this horse.”

Teetan has won the Sha Tin Trophy twice, with Designs On Rome in 2016 and Panfield in 2021.

Monday’s (19 October) 11-race fixture at Sha Tin begins at 12.30pm with the Class 5 Shek Mun Handicap (1800m).