Healthy Happy provided Alexis Badel with his biggest Hong Kong win in last month’s Classic Cup but the Frenchman says he’s not feeling the pressure as he looks to repeat the dose in Sunday’s BMW Hong Kong Derby (2,000m).

Badel got things all his own way in front on his way to victory in the Classic Cup but he could find himself with company at the front of the Derby field, with the John Size-trained Silver Express also expected to push forward from barrier one.

“I’m happy with the draw and the horse has been very consistent, so I can only be confident – there’s no pressure. He gave me a nice feel when he won and his trial [on March 9] was OK,” Badel said of the Frankie Lor Fu-chuen-trained Healthy Happy, who jumps from gate three.

“I’ll need to discuss [tactics] with the trainer and we will see. Silver Express might be a pace influence as well so we will see what happens. We have a good draw so we will just make it simple.”

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If Healthy Happy is forced to race just off the speed or even further back – like he had done before his Classic Cup heist – Badel will be keeping an open mind.

“I have no idea [how he will handle it], it’s unpredictable. The 2,000m is a different trip – there’s a Class Three over 2,000m earlier in the day so it will be interesting to see how the track is and get a feel for things,” the jockey said.

“The race is open, anything can happen. I’m just looking for a comfortable run for the horse – he’s a big horse with a big action and a good attitude.”

Badel is thriving during his first full Hong Kong season, sitting equal fourth in the premiership race with 40 winners and only six victories behind the third-placed Karis Teetan.

“It’s been a good season for me and I’m happy to have the chance to ride a good horse in the Derby. This is all you want as a jockey but it’s not about having a chance, it’s about winning the race,” he said.

The in-form jockey, who has had doubles at the past two meetings, heads to Sha Tin with eight rides at his disposal and has a live chance aboard The Rock in the Class Two Rapper Dragon Handicap (1,600m).

The Rock meets the likes of Master Montaro, Flagship Glory and Super Football in what shapes as a hot contest and Badel is looking to improve his strong record aboard the Caspar Fownes-trained five-year-old.

After booting The Rock to victory over the Sha Tin 1,600m in his first ride on him early last month, Badel piloted the gelding to third in a Class One at Happy Valley and he meets the winner of that race Solar Wai Wai three pounds better off at the weights.

Badel also climbs aboard Namjong Sings, Bella Baby, Pakistan Friend, Everyone’s Delight, Decisive Action and Perfect Pair on Sunday afternoon.