Luke Middlebrook
Helios Express aims to keep his winning streak going in Sunday's second leg of the Classic Series at Sha Tin, the Hong Kong Classic Cup over 1800m.
Helios Express heads the entry for the Derby prelude after winning as expected in the first leg of the Classic Series, the Hong Kong Classic Mile, a month ago. On that occasion, he was simply too good as the highest-rated horse at set weights in the small field of nine, but Sunday's race is another measuring test.
Helios Express, with Hugh Bowman up, will need to rise to the occasion as he extends to an unknown distance for the first time in the Classic Cup. Not since 2020 has a Classic Mile winner gone on to win the Classic Cup, when Golden Sixty achieved the feat, and before that, Rapper Dragon in 2017.
Meanwhile, stablemate Ensued, to be ridden by Ryan Moore, Helene Feeling, runner-up to Helios Express in the Classic Mile, and Chill Chibi have already proven themselves at the trip.
As champion trainer John Size builds momentum throughout the season, the four-year-old Magnificent Nine can contribute to his increasing tally of winners as he seeks to secure his first local win in the Class 3 race over 1400m.
Magnificent Nine is making his fourth attempt this week and has shown improvement with each race. However, his chances were dashed in his last outing when he stepped up to this distance, copping a check at the 1100m mark while also racing wide and without cover throughout.
To his credit, he stuck on well in the straight and finished fourth, only beaten by 1.50 lengths.
Starting from barrier No 3 on Sunday, Magnificent Nine should secure a far more economical run than last time, which could be enough for him to prevail when it matters most.
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Chiron generally gets back in the running but dashes strongly home but may be able to position closer here from gate 1. Asian One good performance when storming home for third place last start. Always a chance at this level. M M Nebula should be highly suited by the drop back in distance and can improve with the right run from gate 10. Sun Of Makfi had excuses last start and forget the run. Charming Steed never far away from the winner and could sneak a place. He could be the each-way value in the race.
Race 2: Windcheater turned in a very nice debut run when winning impressively and looks to have good ability. He can go on with it. Oriental Smoke has ability and should not be underestimated in this grade. Gets Purton in the saddle from gate 4 and should prove competitive. Sky Trust recent runs have been encouraging and can run well. Third start here and nearing a win. Strathpeffer had no luck last start but keep following. Easy Snip form is good and must be rated a solid chance. However, he will get back and race for luck.
Race 3: Open race with many chances here. Mr Ascendency more than capable of winning again in this race after a decisive win at Happy Valley. The all-weather poses no issue. Alacrity was eased early before catching the eye late, which is the norm for him. Galaxy Witness was slow to begin last start but made good ground late first-up from a break. Adefill rising in class and meets better quality horses but can measure up. Nordic Dragon good performance when returning to form last start when heavily punted. Needs luck from gate 10 however.
Race 4: Beer Palace was eased early before catching the eye late from a wide draw last start. Well rated now and comes into barrier 2. Californiatotality surprise tactics adopted last run when being ridden forward last start. He can improve with a better-timed ride. Laugh Tale down in class in this race and should perform better. Chilli Baba form is good and is getting close to another victory. Devas Twelve best run to date was last start and appears to be improving. However, he has barrier 13 to navigate.
Race 5: Lady’s Choice looks a solid good chance based on last start and Purton back in the saddle enhances his chances in an open race. I Give holding form with recent good trial and looks well. He will vie to make all in the run as usual. Stellar Swift has trialled well for de- but and should be rated a chance. Toronado Phantom generally gets back in the running but dashes strongly home. There could be enough pace on for his pattern here. My Flying Angel well prepared for debut and is worth considering. The betting market could be telling.
Race 6: Must Go had excuses last start when racing wide without cover. He comes into barrier 1 here under Ryan Moore which can prove him the one to beat. Sky Heart caught wide last start and still ran well. Barrier 13 isn’t ideal but his form is good enough to win. Wonderful Unicorn changed trainer and trialled very well recently. From barrier 2 under Purton, he looks to be competitive. Less Is More showed improvement at a recent trial and is on his third start here after showing some ability. Always Fluke fresh up from a break and should run well.
Race 7: Helios Express highly promising horse who shows nice ability and remains the one to beat. Faces his next challenge here rising to 1800m for the first time but appears to get a cozy run from barrier 2. Helene Feeling holding form with recent good trial and looks well. Blinkers go on and he should lap up the extra trip. Ensued ultra consistent galloper and who can play a part in the finish. Ryan Moore takes the ride and that can offset barrier 12. Star Mac blinkers have been added and must be a big chance. Improving all the time and is a horse on the rise. Chill Chibi resuming from a break and recent trial was good. Toughest test but has a certain x-factor quality about him.
Race 8: Galaxy Patch smart sprinter on the rise and last start placing was full of merit after racing wide. The step back in trip to 1000m is interesting, but he should be suited by how race is run and is hard to hold out. Invincible Sage had no luck last start but keep following. He’s back to his happy hunting ground here and can prove a big winning chance. Adios last run was better than it reads and do not dismiss. Whizz Kid has early speed and can always surprise with the right run. Carroll Street a bit erratic and hard to follow but has ability and can surprise at this track and distance.
Race 9: Noble Pursuit winner of last two starts and looks a top chance to keep the ball rolling here. From gate 2 under Bowman, he will take holding out. Simple Hedge has shown ability and gets his chance to win here with a gear change and Moore riding from gate 4. Flamingo Trillion looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. Need some luck from out wide but he’s itching to break through for another win. Intrepid Winner form is good and must be rated a solid chance. Massive Sovereign interesting first starter and watch the betting odds. Purton rides from gate 1.
Race 10: Magnificent Nine video replay showed last run was very good after he copped a check and raced wide throughout, sticking on well in the straight. Comes into a much better gate and looks the winner. Superb Kid last start placing was full of merit, nice effort and form is very good. Blue Marlin racing consistently of late and expect another big run. He should secure the right run in transit from barrier 4 under Bowman. Excel Wongchoy well prepared for debut and is worth considering. Super Winner should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way.