Trainer John Size is gearing up for another big race day at Sha Tin, aiming to capitalize on the impressive form of his top-class runner Helios Express. With a string of standout performances this season, the five-year-old gelding will target the HK$4.2 million Group 3 Sha Tin Vase Handicap (1200m) on May 31. While he has yet to notch a victory in his current campaign, Helios Express has shown incredible consistency at the highest level, placing in every start and proving to be a strong and reliable contender.
Despite narrowly missing out on Group 1 glory—thanks largely to the emergence of the explosive Ka Ying Rising—Helios Express has still managed to amass over HK$16 million in earnings this term. His campaign has been marked by valiant efforts against elite opposition, including close finishes in some of Hong Kong’s most prestigious sprint events. His recent trial performance under Hugh Bowman suggests he remains in peak condition, having stayed wide throughout before running home steadily to finish fourth in a trial that looked more about maintenance than exertion.
Another high-profile name under Size’s care, Red Lion, is also expected to make an impact at the end of the month in the HK$4.2 million Group 3 Lion Rock Trophy Handicap (1600m). Fresh from an exhilarating triumph over Voyage Bubble in the G1 FWD Champions Mile, Red Lion will be joined by stablemate Beauty Eternal, who has also been showing solid trial form in the buildup to this next assignment.
Red Lion’s recent form has instilled plenty of confidence within the stable. His milestone Group 1 win was not only a testament to his ability but also underscored the depth of Size’s string this season. Size himself acknowledged how much of an achievement it was to edge out a strong performer like Voyage Bubble, highlighting just how fine the margins are at the top level.
Packing Hermod, prepared by Francis Lui, is another exciting prospect on the horizon. The progressive four-year-old is being aimed at the Group 3 Premier Cup Handicap (1400m) on June 22, following a preparatory run in a Class 2 contest over the same trip on May 25. Lui has been pleased with the horse’s progress, indicating that he is fresh, improving, and most effective over the 1400-metre distance.
Meanwhile, Size, already a towering figure in Hong Kong racing with 12 training titles and closing in on 1,600 career victories, remains as competitive as ever. With several runners set to go around at Happy Valley on May 14, including Stellar Express, Country Dancer, and Wukong Jewellery, the veteran horseman continues to chase milestones while developing the next wave of star performers in his stable.
As the Group 3 contests draw near, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the season for both John Size and Francis Lui, with their leading horses poised to deliver performances worthy of their lofty reputations.
