Helios Express will return to a mile for the first time in more than two years when the seven-year-old lines up in Monday’s HK$5.35 million Group 2 Sha Tin Trophy Handicap (1600m) on 19 October, with trainer John Size also represented by stablemate Sky Jewellery.
The Toronado gelding, owned by Andy Yung, has established himself among Hong Kong’s leading performers over sprint distances, finishing in the first three in six Group 1 contests behind Ka Ying Rising over 1200m or 1400m during the past two seasons. His return to the mile will provide a fresh test for a horse whose earlier career demonstrated his ability to handle longer distances.
With career earnings of HK$50.58 million, Helios Express began his success in Hong Kong by winning the first two legs of the 2023/24 Four-Year-Old Classic Series, the Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) and the Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m). He was subsequently redirected towards sprint races as a five-year-old.
Helios Express Faces a New Mile Challenge
Andrea Atzeni, who partnered Helios Express on his seasonal return in the Group 3 Celebration Cup Handicap (1400m) at Sha Tin on 27 September, believes the run behind Invincible Ibis has helped bring the gelding forward.
Atzeni felt the eighth-place finish was a satisfactory starting point and said the horse had improved since the race. Although Helios Express does not reveal much during his training at home, the jockey was encouraged by a recent barrier trial that showed more than usual.
The Italian rider also believes the gelding’s relaxed temperament could help him settle over the longer distance. Helios Express has been assigned 125lb at entries, and Atzeni expects him to cope with the weight despite the presence of several rivals carrying less.
The Sha Tin Trophy field features considerable depth, headed by Group 1 winners Voyage Bubble and My Wish. The entries also include 2026 Hong Kong Derby winner Invincible Ibis, alongside Beauty Joy, Patch Of Theta, Light Years Charm, Stormy Grove, Soleil Fighter, Sagacious Life and Winning Wing.
Helios Express finished fourth in a recent Sha Tin dirt trial behind My Wish, who produced a strong late run to win the 1200m heat in 1 minute 10.50 seconds.
Sky Jewellery will also represent Size in the Group 2 contest, with Alexis Badel booked for the ride. The stablemate is expected to carry the race-minimum weight of 115lb following an impressive first-up victory in a Class 2 contest over Hot Delight.
Atzeni and Californiatotality Take Aim at Happy Valley
Atzeni’s attention will also turn to Happy Valley, where he will partner Californiatotality in Wednesday night’s HK$3.12 million Class 2 HKEX Tech 100 Cup Handicap (1800m) on 14 October.
A double on Sunday, 11 October, lifted the Italian jockey’s season tally to seven wins. Californiatotality will carry 120lb in a competitive race that includes Le Zonda, trained by Pierre Ng and assigned 123lb. Le Zonda will attempt to extend a winning sequence to four races at the city circuit.
Atzeni was encouraged by Californiatotality’s first run back and hopes the relatively light weight will help the runner produce another competitive effort.
Vincent Ho retains the ride on Le Zonda and is optimistic about the improving performer’s prospects. He highlighted the horse’s finishing acceleration and continued mental development, noting that each race has brought further progress.
The Happy Valley contest also features Speed Dragon (131lb), Massive Sovereign (129lb), Helene Feeling (127lb), Talents Ambition (125lb), Silvery Breeze (124lb), Gentlemen Legacy (123lb) and Stunning Peach (122lb).
Wukong Jewellery and Prestige Ricky Among Atzeni’s Other Rides
Atzeni has seven mounts scheduled for Wednesday, including Wukong Jewellery, who finished third on his first-up appearance in the Class 3 Harbour View Handicap (1200m). The John Size-trained runner has drawn gate two for his next assignment.
Atzeni was pleased with that debut performance but explained that Wukong Jewellery had been more keen than expected after jumping sharply from the gates. The race should have helped settle the runner, and the favourable draw offers another opportunity to produce a strong effort.
Elsewhere on the card, Karis Teetan will partner Prestige Ricky in the Class 4 Elgin Handicap (1650m), seeking a first Hong Kong victory for trainer Ricky Yiu. Drawn in gate one and assigned 119lb, Prestige Ricky will return quickly after a run in which he finished further back than intended in a slowly run race.
Teetan believes the inside draw and relatively light weight could make a meaningful difference, particularly if the race unfolds at a stronger pace.
Wednesday’s nine-race programme at Happy Valley is scheduled to begin at 6.35pm with the Class 5 D’Aguilar Handicap over 1650m.
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