Helene feeling out a Hong Kong success

Luke Middlebrook

Trainer Danny Shum’s talented three-year-old Helene Feeling is set to dazzle again at Happy Valley on Wednesday with a potential back-to-back win in the Class 3 1650m Handicap.

Helene Feeling arrived in Hong Kong after an impressive track record in the UK, boasting two wins and three seconds from six starts. On his Hong Kong debut, Helene Feeling had a slow start over 1200m but caught the eye with a fast-finishing run, securing third place behind up-and-coming sprinter Howdeepisyourlove, who chalked up another win last week.

Helene Feeling validated that form with a smart win in his second race, rising to 1650m. The short head winning margin is an understatement as Helene Feeling left a healthy 2.75-length gap to third place and 5.25 lengths to fourth.

Helene Feeling is poised to continue his impressive form and has maintained his condition with a good-looking trial performance. With champion jockey, Zac Purton, remaining on board, it is evident Helene Feeling has untapped potential that is set to continue.

It could be a big night for Purton, who boasts a healthy book of eight rides, and progressive four-year-old Hoss is another stand-out for the Australian as he looks to go one place better in Race 7, the Class 3 1200m Handicap.

Jamie Richards-trained gelding has been a steady improver race-by-race and now boasts two wins and as many placings from six starts. The last time Hoss raced was 27 days ago, rising to Class 3 for the first time after a decisive Class 4 victory on his prior start. Though he didn't win, he wasn't disgraced as he was only collared in the shadow of the post.

The form has since stood up with third-placed Harmony N Blessed scoring last week. From barrier No 2, Hoss looks hard to oppose.

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Jolly Honour looks a chance if you go on previous consistent form. He had no luck out the back in a slow-run race last start. Barrier 1 can see him run an improved race. Ai One last run suggested a win was very near, but the wide draw is the concern. Loyal Ambition was an easy last start winner and must be respected. Drawn well low, he can give a sight. Classic Archi down in class in this race and should perform better. Happy Jai Jai backing up quickly from last week, can run well on true form.

Race 2: Sunshine Legendary changed stables recently and has improved after a smart last-start win. He may be able to go on with it. Raging Blaze generally gets back in the running but dashes strongly home. He could be hard to hold out under the right race shape. Day Day Rich should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way. Purton in the saddle suits. Jack Win had excuses last start when racing wide without cover, go on prior good form. Miracles making Class 5 debut and must be respected. He showed promise at the bottom of Class 4.

Race 3: Royal Pride emergency runner who gains a start. Resuming and can run well from a low gate. One Heart One had genuine vet excuses last start and can improve in this race. Happy Angel recent runs have been encouraging and can run well hard up on the pace. Viva Popcorn is better than recent form indicates and can improve from barrier 1. Beauty Mission placed last start and looks like a chance to run well again.

Race 4: Happy United recent barrier trial was good, suggesting a big run can be expected. An open Class 4 race where he can break through at start number four. Dream Pursuer had excuses last start when racing wide without cover on his first Class 4 run. Big chance to improve here with better luck in running. Winning Delago having third start and may improve here, each-way claims. Young Life Forever remains a maiden galloper but clearly gets a chance to win here after showing some promise. Loriz has early speed and can always surprise with the right run.

Race 5: There are a few genuine winning chances in this race. Splendid Living nice horse who is a model of consistency and is a leading contender. June Planet had genuine excuses last start (ill-judged ride) and can improve in this race. Barrier 12, however, isn’t ideal and he’ll need a good ride. Right As Rain finished powerfully with fastest sectional time ranking last start and barrier 1 suits. Incanto Prepared track and distance specialist and appears suited here. Can spring an upset on true form. Helene Wisdom Star good performance when storming home for a nice second last start.

Race 6: Wood On Fire form is good and must be rated a solid chance from his low draw. Happy Trio well supported last start and won accordingly. If he shows up in the same vein of form, he’ll be hard to beat again. Flying On The Turf can win on best form. Every chance last start but still ran a good race. Our Class Act turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly and the low draw could see him run a race at odds. Exuberant good performance when returning to form last start, chance to run well again with the right run.

Race 7: Hoss narrowly beaten last start and goes close here on his second try in Class 3. The for has been strong from his last race and he has drawn perfectly low to be hard to beat. Jolly Ruler can improve second-up from a break. Each-way chance in a race like this. Beauty Tycoon never far away from the winner and could sneak a place in a race that lacks depth. Humble Star had excuses last start and forget the run. He can improve from barrier 1. Victory Scholars last start winner who rises in class but can measure up.

Race 8: Helene Feeling smart three-year-old who is the one to beat after a smart last-start win on his second Hong Kong start last time. He has more to come and should be taking a power of beating. Zone D form is good and must be rated a solid chance to test the favourite from barrier 1. Maldives has been knocking on the door and win won’t surprise anyone. Drawn low, maps well. Top Top Tea form is good and must be rated a solid chance. Packing Succeeder had genuine excuses last start and consider again. He can run a race at a price.

Race 9: Nordic Dragon more than capable of winning again in this race after returning to the winner’s list in a big way last time. He was ridden quieter, and looked good doing so. He can go on with it. Gold Gold Baby had excuses last start and forget the run. Lucky Eight consistent form lately and will get favours from his low gate. Jumbo Fortune backing up quickly from a good last start effort and can run well again. Phoenix Light recent runs have been encouraging and can run well as Purton takes the ride.