The main Hong Kong Derby lead up, The Classic Cup sees a very similar field to that which contested The Classic Mile, where FURORE was victorious in a messy affair. The Australian-import enjoyed an economical run on a soft tempo and displayed a brilliant turn of foot to post a decisive win. However, he will have a task this time from a wide draw but is obviously a leading contender, as he will relish the step up in trip. That said, I really think DARK DREAM is the horse to beat this time. He conceded a lot of ground last time from a wide draw and after being hampered in the home straight, he still stayed on very stylishly. He maps better this time and I like the booking of Zac Purton. His win prior was simply awesome and he seems to be a class act. HARMONY VICTORY also closed with some strong sectionals in that event and he doesn’t have to find a great deal to make his presence felt. The best bigger-priced value option in this race is HELENE LEADINGSTAR, the former South Australian Derby winner. He was terrific in absorbing a solid tempo when running second to HO HO KHAN over this course and distance, and that race and effort rated very well indeed. Dark Dream is the horse to beat, that said I can’t have him any shorter than $2.70, and so it might be hard to back him looking at early markets. Quinellas with Furore and Helene Leadingstar have some appeal as well.