Hugh Bowman is confident Helios Express can become the first horse since Golden Sixty to take out the first two legs of the four-year-old series in Sunday’s Classic Cup (1,800m) at Sha Tin.

Helios Express took his Hong Kong record to five victories from seven starts with a dominant success in last month’s Classic Mile and faces his first test over the 1,800m trip.

Targeting a maiden win in the HK$13 million contest, Bowman believes the John Size-trained gelding can repeat Golden Sixty’s achievement of four years ago provided he settles in the early exchanges.

“There’s no question he’s the best horse in the race and he has a class advantage, but it is important that he does things right, switches off and gets in that rhythm,” Bowman said.

“If he does that, then he’ll be too good for them. But if he doesn’t and he wastes energy in the run and over-races, then he’s going to find it tougher over the longer trips.”

After settling on the coattails of the leaders in the Classic Mile, Helios Express hit the front 200m from home and displayed his potent turn of foot to finish a length and three-quarters clear of Helene Feeling, with the fast-finishing Star Mac a further quarter of a length back in third.

“It felt just as good as it looked,” Bowman said. “He’s got that beautiful tactical speed and it’s just important that he really does relax. I’d like to see him relax a little better than he did in the mile for the 1,800m and looking forward to a [Hong Kong] Derby as well.

“He’s just a competitive horse and that comes to the fore at the business end when you really need him to knuckle down and do his job. He’s doing it in spades.”

Jumping from barrier two, Bowman believes the galloper is well placed to again stamp his authority on his rivals and land a fifth victory in the race for Size.

“The form is on the board, he’s got the class and he’s got the ideal draw as well,” Bowman said. “He’s got a lot in his favour.”

Bowman has a full book of rides on the 10-race card, including hat-trick seeker Noble Pursuit in the Class Three Somerset Handicap (2,000m).

The Caspar Fownes-trained gelding recorded back-to-back wins at Happy Valley earlier this month and is the Classic Cup’s first reserve.

“Noble Pursuit’s got a very consistent form line and he’s going very well,” Bowman said. “If we can get a clean break, he’ll find his position and then we are going to have the opportunity to see him at his best.

“There’s no doubt the Derby is on the cards and that’s why he’s going this path. He’s still got to put his hand up and do it, but the writing is on the wall and I’d be very surprised if he doesn’t run really well.”

Bowman also joins forces with Invincible Sage for the first time since November, with the young speedster stepping back to his favoured 1,000m distance in the Class Two Rutland Handicap.

“He’s been a bit of a favourite of mine since we started working together and I’m getting back on board in a race I think he can really make his presence felt,” Bowman said. “He’s proven to really love the 1,000m. I think 1,200m will be within his limits in the future, but there’s no doubt the 1,000m trip is right up his alley at the moment.”