Hong Kong Preview: Helene Feeling to build on debut HK effort

#5 Helene Feeling can build upon his impressive first outing in Hong Kong and take out the Lusitano Challenge Cup Handicap at Happy Valley on Thursday.

Happy Valley Race 7 Selections

• #5 Helene Feeling
• #7 HK Dragon
• #8 Pegasus General
• #2 Rocket Spade

Happy Valley Race 7 Wagers

• $10 win/$30 show: #5 Helene Feeling
• $1.30 trifecta: 5, 7 with 5, 7, 8 with 1, 2, 5, 7, 8, 10

The three-year-old had a useful juvenile career in England, winning two races from six attempts when known as Indian Dream.

Bought to race in Hong Kong, he debuted under his new name March 15 from the Danny Shum stable, finishing nicely from midfield to take third placing in a 1,200-meter (about six-furlong) sprint behind Howdeepisyourlove and Jumbo Legend.

Both his successes in Britain, at Epsom and Doncaster, were over seven furlongs, and he shapes as a horse that should handle Thursday’s distance of 1,650 meters (about one mile) with aplomb. Champion jockey Zac Purton will guide him from barrier nine.

Two last-start winners, #7 HK Dragon and #8 Pegasus General, shape as major threats. HK Dragon finished strongly from well back to beat Cordyceps One and Happy Jai Jai in Class 4 company March 1, his first start since September, and looks to be a strong chance to graduate well to Class 3.

Pegasus General is coming back from 1 1/8 miles, where he took advantage of a good trip just off the pace to outfinish Satirical Glory by a head. He’s up five pounds in the ratings but should run well again.

Fifth to Pegasus General at his last start was the enigmatic #2 Rocket Spade, the former New Zealand Derby (G1) winner who’s run well without being able to win in 14 starts. He can get some of the money but is likely to need a strong pace, as he usually gets too far back for his own good.

Eight-time Happy Valley winner #1 Red Majesty and #10 Silver Hammer are others to consider for exotics.