John Size, Francis Lui plot Group 3 targets for stable stars
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Helios Express is enjoying a fine season and trainer John Size hopes the galloper can reap a deserving victory for his remarkable consistency when he lines up in the HK$4.2 million Group 3 Sha Tin Vase Handicap (1200m) on May 31 at Sha Tin.
The 117-rating sprinter would be a three-time Group 1 winner had Ka Ying Rising not burst onto the scene this term, although Helios Express’ ‘no quit’ attitude has returned connections HK$16.31 million across an admirable but winless five-year-old campaign.
Trialling on Monday morning, Helios Express tracked wide under regular jockey Hugh Bowman at Sha Tin. The Australian rider urged his mount along in the home straight before finishing a well-held fourth in 1:09.86 on the dirt over 1200m.
“He seems alright. He seems to be healthy, fit and well. He’s running very consistently and that’s the way he’s been at home – his status hasn’t changed,” Size said. “He’s been very good all through the year.”
Helios Express has placed in all seven outings this season, headlined by a trio of seconds to freakish talent Ka Ying Rising in the HK$26 million Group 1 Hong Kong Sprint (1200m), HK$13 million Group 1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m) and HK$13 million Group 1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m).
Group 1 winner Red Lion, who prevailed over Voyage Bubble in the HK$24 million Group 1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m), also tuned up on Monday alongside Beauty Eternal.
The duo contests the HK$4.2 million Group 3 Lion Rock Trophy Handicap (1600m) for master trainer Size on May 31, who has 1,599 career wins in Hong Kong and 12 trainers’ championships.
“He (Red Lion) looks good and he looks to be in good shape. He seems to have done well after the race. We were all very thrilled about winning. It was quite an achievement by the horse, he did very well,” Size said. “Voyage Bubble has been a dominant horse. To get a photo off him, we were pretty lucky that day.”
Red Lion clocked 1:09.98 in third, while Beauty Eternal was second in 1:09.89 behind the leading Packing Hermod, who posted 1:09.79 over 1200m in heat one.
Trainer Francis Lui is pointing towards the HK$4.2 million Group 3 Premier Cup Handicap (1400m) at Sha Tin on June 22 with Packing Hermod. The four-year-old Rubick gelding is expected to feature in a Class 2 race over 1400m on May 25 at Sha Tin next up.
“I am very happy with him (Packing Hermod). He’s a fresh horse. I think he’s improved. He runs over 1400 metres next at Sha Tin. We are looking to the end of June – a Group 3 race. I think 1400 is his best distance,” Lui said.
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