There are a number of Hong Kong Derby hopefuls lining up in this event so it will be interesting to see if this reveals a genuine contender. NICCONI EXPRESS was rather impressive when winning over a mile (Race 310) at Sha Tin on New Year’s Day and it looks as though he will appreciate the move up in trip. He is well-weighted, can settle in a prominent position and has a great chance to go back-to-back. HO HO KHAN is bidding for a hat-trick of wins and off strong tempos, his last two course and distance wins performances have rated well (Happy Dragon, Tianchi Monster and Zilong have all been winners since from Race 238). This is clearly a step up and on paper the speed doesn’t look like it will be as genuine, but he looks a leading contender again. HELENE LEADINGSTAR, formerly known as Leicester, is an interesting horse. He attained a soft lead on his Hong Kong debut and was out-sprinted (on the worst part of the track). He was then ridden with patience at his next start in a race run at a pedestrian tempo and like just about every runner in the race, closed with good sectionals. He is hard to read, but the 1800m should definitely be a positive. GRAND CHANCELLOR performed better last time in a fast race but I’m not sure about him dropping back in trip. In addition he steps back up in grade even though he’ll carry a light weight. Nicconi Express is the horse to beat, but Helene Leadingstar is worth considering for a small outlay.