Hong Kong racing continues on Sunday, March 3rd, with a 10-race fixture at Sha Tin.
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 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.
How good is he!? How good could he be!? 🔥
Helios Express was simply dominant in Sunday's HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile at Sha Tin for @HugeBowman and John Size…#4YOSeries | #HKracing pic.twitter.com/msP3qsRAME
— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) February 5, 2024
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, while STAR MAC dons blinkers for the first time and is imrpoving all the time.
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 1.5 lengths.
Starting from barrier 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.
