AN alluring clash between magnificent Carry On Winning and the brilliant Helene Star is easily the highlight of today's entertaining Sha Tin meeting.
The two met on January 16 in the St Andrew's Challenge Quaich over 1,000 metres with the Patrick Biancone-trained Helene Star having a clear-cut one and a half length edge over Carry On Winning. But the margin did not tell the full story as Carry On Winning missed the start slightly and did not get a clear early run.
He was literally thundering home and in another couple of strides would have collared weakening runner-up Nitrogen. The step up to 1,200 metres will suit both horses and it is an intriguing contest: game champion Carry On Winning against rising superstar,Helene Star.
Both horses are clearly being aimed for the International Bowl over 1,400 metres in April and their selection chances would be further enhanced with a solid showing here. Carry On Winning appears to be tackling his optimum trip today as he has really been virtually faultless over the longer Sha Tin sprint. Helene Star, on the other hand, has won over a dazzling variety of distances with his last effort down the straight 1,000 metres arguably one of his very best.
Biancone has got the absolute best out of Helene Star who took time to come to hand but has now adapted quite brilliantly to Hongkong racing. The French ace, now locked in a four-way tie at the top of the championship table, has brought Helene Star back successfully from 1,400 metres through 1,235 metres at Happy Valley to his last win down the straight.
That alone has been an achievement and now he takes Helene Star back up to 1,200 metres while still, of course, having to contend with the handicapper. He will today carry a staggering 141lb which puts him in with the top quartet of gallopers in Hongkong and this will be a very serious test.
Carry On Winning, meanwhile, will again cart around 144lb which leaves one wondering just how long he can possibly lump weight like this without losing his zest for the game. But it was undoubtedly there last time as his blazing finish underlined and it would be a brave man who would deny him a top winning chance here.