Stellar Express Returns to 1,000m Trip in Pearce Memorial Challenge Cup

Course and distance specialist Stellar Express will finally return to his beloved 1,000m trip when he contests the Class One Pearce Memorial Challenge Cup at Sha Tin on Saturday.

A five-time winner up the straight, the son of Zoustar rocketed to a hat-trick of 1,000m wins earlier this campaign, including a brilliant three-length success in the Group Three Bauhinia Sprint Trophy in January.

Opportunities on the straight course have been limited since his last win but he has held his form well, including in clashes with champion sprinter Ka Ying Rising over 1,200m.

This race has been a long time coming for a horse who has effectively been in a holding pattern since February and Size is hoping a sixth win is not outside his wheelhouse.

“He’s had to wait a long time for this race; it’s difficult to hold them in a pattern for a period of time when you’re waiting for a certain distance,” Size said.

“1,000m is clearly his strong suit – he’s won five of them, whether it can be six remains to be seen. He seems to be running well. Every horse has an excuse at the moment with the heat and that’s always a factor. Apart from that, he’s fine and has a good chance.”

Eight runners will go to post on Saturday for the 13-time champion trainer, including Lifeline Express, who heads for the Class Three Shek Sheung River Handicap (1,200m) searching for a first win of the campaign.

A three-time placegetter this season, he has slid down the ratings to a mark of 67, which is the same rating he won off on his sole win over course and distance last year.

“He’s fallen down to a rating of 67, so he should be able to handle that sort of race. He’s been in good form and he’s done everything correctly. He would certainly appreciate a shower of rain – that would help him out a lot on race day,” Size said.

Fit For Beauty has notched three wins this season and with a further four top-three finishes to add to the successes, he will bid to continue a productive season in the Class Three Tan Shan River Handicap (1,400m).

His latest run was a rare blemish on an otherwise consistent copybook this campaign and two prior runs saw him finish third, beaten half a length and a length and a half.

“He’s done well this season and has been consistent. He probably just needs a gate to help him out but he does not do much wrong,” Size said.

Master Lucky was a shock $35 debut winner for Size back in February and will be looking to double his tally in the Class Four Sha Tau Kok River Handicap (1,400m).

Although winless in seven subsequent starts, he has finished second on a pair of occasions, including last start where he chased home all-the-way winner Honorary.

That was just his second run over the 1,400m trip and with few miles on the clock, the best is surely yet to come.

“He was probably lucky to win his first start and he hasn’t been able ever since, but he’s raced well. That class and distance should suit him and he’s not without a chance,” Size said.