Alexis Badel believes the improving Fast Network has the credentials to compete in elevated Group 2 company on Sunday (26 October) when he steps out in HK$5.35 million G2 Premier Bowl (1200m) at Sha Tin, with the handicapper lending a helping hand.

The Frenchman partnered the Dennis Yip-trained five-year-old to a thrilling G3 National Day Cup Handicap (1000m) victory three weeks ago, and said he can continue his impressive form on the 1200m course at Sha Tin, where he has won two of four outings.

For that win, Fast Network (124lb) was hit with a seven-point rating hike – to a career-high 111 – but the presence of top-rated sprint star Helios Express (135lb) in the field has compressed the weights, handing the rest a lenient pull, and on Sunday, Badel’s mount will carry one pound less for his National Day Cup effort.

“I think he does (handle the step-up to Group 2). I think the handicap plays in his favour,” said Badel, who won the Premier Bowl in 2022 aboard the great Wellington. “He doesn’t carry too much weight – I think 124 (pounds) is more than reasonable.”

While John Size’s Group 1 stalwart Helios Express is the class horse in the race, Badel acknowledged a strong challenge could also emerge in the form of David Hayes’ Tomodachi Kokoroe (115lb). The Written Tycoon gelding, who has amassed more than HK$13 million in career stakes, is enjoying an Indian summer in his seven-year-old season, with two wins from two runs already this season, the first of which set a new Sha Tin Class 2 1200m record mark.

“It’s interesting to see how he’ll respond against Tomodachi Kokoroe with the bottom weight – with the (1200m) record in Class 2,” said Badel, who has won two of the three Group races contested this season. “And Helios Express, which always gets beaten by the superstar … So I think it is a pretty open race.”

A repeat of Fast Network’s National Day Cup heroics could thrust the Wrote gelding into the conversation surrounding the fast-approaching LONGINES Hong Kong International Races on 14 December.

The LONGINES HKIR resume is there; Fast Network has won six of his 13 career starts and has never finished further back than fifth. Badel was confident the galloper could deliver. “He gave me a good feel in the Group 3. If he can repeat that, he should run well,” he said.

With the draw confirmed, top-weight Helios Express, who will be looking to build on his HK$4.2 million G3 Sha Tin Vase (1200m) win at the end of last season, drew ideally in barrier two. Lightweight Tomodachi Kokoroe was handed a boost when he drew barrier five. Fast Network, who usually prefers to race on the pace, will start from gate 12.

Sunday’s (26 October) HK$5.35 million G2 Premier Bowl Handicap (1200m) is the highlight of a 10-race fixture and starts at 4.45pm.