The thrill of victory is still fresh for Alexis Badel and Fast Network, and the French jockey believes the rising sprinter is poised to shine again this Sunday in the HK$5.35 million Group 2 Premier Bowl at Sha Tin. Just three weeks after a thrilling triumph in the G3 National Day Cup Handicap, Fast Network steps up to 1200m with the handicapper offering a favorable hand.
Badel, who has guided the Dennis Yip-trained five-year-old to two wins in four Sha Tin outings, believes the step up to Group 2 is well within reach. “I think he does handle the step-up to Group 2. The handicap plays in his favour,” said Badel, reflecting on a mount that will carry 124lb, one pound less than his National Day Cup victory despite a seven-point rating hike to a career-high 111.
While the spotlight will inevitably fall on John Size’s Group 1 star Helios Express, top-weighted at 135lb, the race is far from a foregone conclusion. David Hayes’ Tomodachi Kokoroe, carrying just 115lb, has been in sparkling form this season, already racking up two wins and setting a new Sha Tin Class 2 1200m record. “It’s interesting to see how he’ll respond against Tomodachi Kokoroe with the bottom weight,” Badel said.
Fast Network, a consistent performer with six wins from 13 career starts and never finishing worse than fifth, could use another sparkling performance to cement his place in the conversation for the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races in December. “He gave me a good feel in the Group 3. If he can repeat that, he should run well,” said Badel confidently.
Barrier draws add another layer of intrigue: Helios Express sits comfortably in gate two, Tomodachi Kokoroe in barrier five, while Fast Network, who prefers to race on the pace, will break from gate 12. The Premier Bowl, a 10-race fixture highlight, is set to roll at 4.45pm. With favorable weights and a jockey in top form, Fast Network could yet deliver another memorable Sha Tin performance. Fast Network looks to extend his winning streak in the G2 Premier Bowl at Sha Tin, with Alexis Badel confident the sprinter can handle the step-up and favorable handicap.
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