Exciting Showdown

In an exciting showdown, Helios Express is gearing up to challenge the formidable Ka Ying Rising in the HK$13 million G1 Centenary Sprint Cup, set to take place this Sunday, January 19th, at Sha Tin Racecourse. This race marks Hong Kong's first Group 1 event of 2025 and promises to be a thrilling spectacle with eight entries vying for glory.

Helios Express's Impressive Campaign

After an impressive campaign in the 2024 Four-Year-Old Classic Series stretching up to 2000 meters, Helios Express has made a strategic return to sprinting. Under the expert training of John Size and with Hugh Bowman in the saddle, Helios Express has played the role of challenger to Ka Ying Rising, who’s been the star of the season, finishing a mere half-length behind him in December's HK$26 million G1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint.

Ka Ying Rising's Record

Ka Ying Rising, a speedster trained by David Hayes and holder of the 1200m track record at Sha Tin, will seek an astounding ninth consecutive victory in this prestigious sprint. This race is not just a test of speed but also a battle of strategy, as Bowman mentions, “Ka Ying Rising is probably more inclined to be comfortable in a small field like this... he's obviously the one to beat.” Nonetheless, he remains optimistic about Helios Express's capabilities, describing him as a "capable horse" ready for the challenge.

Hong Kong Speed Series

The Centenary Sprint Cup kickstarts the Hong Kong Speed Series, which offers a tantalizing HK$5 million bonus to owners if they can claim victory in all three races of the series. Following this sprint, the series continues with the HK$13 million G1 Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup on February 23 and concludes with the HK$22 million G1 Chairman's Sprint Prize on April 27.

Ambitions and Conditions

Size's charge, a Toronado gelding, previously triumphed in both the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile and the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup last season. He embodies the ambition of Andy Yung, the son of the prominent owner Larry Yung, whose legacy includes two Hong Kong Derby victories.

Bowman's Optimism

Bowman also highlighted Helios Express's fantastic condition heading into the race: “He feels great – I’m delighted with him. The biggest challenge is undoubtedly Ka Ying Rising, but the horse himself is in great form. It should be a good contest.”

Other Highlights

The Centenary Sprint Cup isn't the only highlight of Sunday’s racing card. Alongside it, the HK$13 million G1 Stewards' Cup will also take place, marking the first leg of the famed Triple Crown series. Horses that succeed in all three legs of this prestigious competition can claim a hefty HK$10 million bonus. The second leg is set for February 23, featuring the HK$13 million G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup, followed by the HK$13 million G1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup in late May.

Historical Note

A historical note to consider, River Verdon (1993/94) remains the only horse to win the coveted Triple Crown in Hong Kong racing history. This weekend’s race could potentially add another chapter to that illustrious legacy. Will Helios Express rise to the occasion, or will Ka Ying Rising continue his dominance? Only time will tell in this neck-and-neck race!