Armed with a solid book of rides at Sha Tin on Sunday, Harry Bentley is confident he can add to his strong record on Helene Feeling when they team up in the Class Two Faculty Of Education Alumni Handicap (1,600m).
The British jockey made an immediate impact on his first ride on Danny Shum Chap-shing’s consistent galloper when he guided him to a career-best victory in the Group Three January Cup (1,800m) at Happy Valley.
He was also aboard Helene Feeling on his following two starts, registering a third and close second at the city circuit, while Luke Ferraris hopped on for the former British galloper’s last start when he ran a brave third to Bundle Award.
Despite shouldering top weight of 135 pounds and racing wide without cover most of the way from gate 12, Helene Feeling fought on bravely.
Danny Shum's stable is on fire! 🔥
— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) January 8, 2025
It's a second Group 3 win in Hong Kong for @HarryBentley_ as Helene Feeling prevails in a tight January Cup at Happy Valley to give his trainer a treble... @AtTheRaces | #HappyWednesday | #HKracing pic.twitter.com/BhyVutRW3a
“He’s been a model of consistency this season and continues to run really well,” Bentley said.
“I get on with him really well, he’s a jockey’s dream really. He’s a big horse with a big stride and sticks his head out all the way.”
A five-time winner from 24 local starts, Helene Feeling again carries top weight of 135 pounds when he drops back from 1,800m on Sunday.
Bentley hopes a kinder run from gate four in the small field of seven will boost Helene Feeling’s claims.
Harry Bentley boots Helene Feeling home in the January Cup.
“There looks to be a little bit of pace in there with Voyage Samurai, so I imagine we just keep it simple with him,” Bentley said.
“He’s been relaxing really well and especially over the 1,600m, that’s not going to be an issue at all. I imagine we’ll just take a lead and the small field, you’d like to think that would make it a little bit easier.
“Naturally [the weight is] something to contend with, but he’s a big horse and he can carry the weight.”
In an even race that headlines the 10-race card, Helene Feeling takes on The Golden Scenery, Winning Dragon, C P Brave, Voyage Samurai, Snowfield and Woodfire Bro.
Voyage Samurai looms as Helene Feeling’s chief rival on Sunday.
Bentley, who has ridden 20 winners this term, also has high hopes for promising four-year-old Flash Current in Sunday’s Class Four The CUHK Alumni Cup (1,200m).
The Jimmy Ting Koon-ho-trained gelding stormed home from last to score an impressive victory second up before running on strongly again for third behind Akashvani last start.
“Obviously his first run was less than ideal with nowhere to go, but I was happy to jump on him the next time and he won really well down the outside,” Bentley said.
“Last time was another really good run, but I think the horses on the front got an easy time of it and from my barrier, I just had to go a little bit further back. He’s coming into the race in good order and we hope for another good run.”
Harry Bentley is excited about Flash Current’s prospects this weekend.
Flash Current and Akashvani clash again on Sunday, with Bentley’s mount the beneficiary of an eight-pound swing on David Hayes’ impressive debut winner.
Akashvani rises to top weight of 135 pounds and faces another wide draw in gate 14.
“He was obviously a pretty impressive winner in that race, so he’s going to be a horse I’ve got to keep my eyes on, but the fact he’s got an awkward draw perhaps brings things a bit more in line with me,” Bentley said of Akashvani.
“[Flash Current is] probably not the quickest into stride, but hopefully now he’s got a little bit more experience under his belt, he might be able to jump that bit faster and be in a slightly more prominent position. I have to see on the day and speak to Jimmy, but I presume we’ll be happier to get more of a midfield pitch.”
Perfecto Moments, Matters Most, King Of Dubai and Morgan Success are Bentley’s other rides on Sunday.
