Ka Ying Rising's Absence Perfect for Express

Invariably forced to play bridesmaid, understudy Helios Express finally stepped out of Ka Ying Rising's shadow with a thrilling breakthrough in Saturday's Gr3 Sha Tin Vase (1200m), storming home from the rear to nab Invincible Sage in a desperate finish. According to racingnews.hkjc.com, it was a long-awaited moment for the John Size-trained gelding, who had placed in his previous seven starts, all behind the world's top sprinter, including five runner-up efforts. Sent out the $2.05 favourite, Helios Express left it late under Hugh Bowman, who had him stone last at the 200m before unleashing a trademark burst. As Ben Thompson surged clear on the $20 outsider Invincible Sage, it looked like another near-miss was looming, but Helios Express lunged right on the line to deny him by a short head. "Only just," Bowman said. "I've had a lot to do with the second horse, Invincible Sage, and they both got the soft track conditions which suited both horses and you've seen them both run to their premium." The rider also acknowledged the tactical challenge, adding, "My horse had to overcome the [on-speed] bias. I knew that going out but I was reluctant to change [Helios Express'] pattern because with the handicap, I thought he was well in [at the weights]." It was fitting reward for persistence. "He thoroughly deserved it," Bowman said. "He's been chasing the champ all season and with his absence, he was the number one seed and he came out in front." Helios Express, a star over 1800m as last year's Classic Mile and Classic Cup winner, has been reinvented as a sprinter this season. He was runner-up to Ka Ying Rising in three Group 1 contests – the Hong Kong Sprint (1200m), Centenary Sprint Cup (1,00m), and Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m). Size, who last won the Sha Tin Vase with Courier Wonder in 2021, praised his gelding's effort: "He certainly deserves this win. He's tried very hard all season to win a decent race and finally he got it done. He found a race that was suitable for him." Punters latched onto Patch Of Theta late, with the gelding backed from $9.1 into $3.7, and he ran on stoutly from second last to grab third, almost two lengths behind Helios Express. Multiple Gr1 winner Lucky Sweynesse, conceding weight all around, finished fourth. Size hinted Helios Express might go around once more this season, with the Gr3 Premier Cup (1400m) on June 22 on the radar.

Helios Express broke his long string of outs (pic: hkjc.com)