It is nearly two years to the day since Helene Super Star won a Group race in Dubai and the time is right for the Tony Cruz-trained stayer to make a big race break through locally with a drop back to more favourable handicap conditions in the Group Three Premier Plate (1,800m) today, reports Racing Post HK (www.racing.scmp.com)

Helene Super Star (Douglas Whyte) won the UAE Derby under the name Lines Of Battle on World Cup night in 2013 for former trainer Aidan O'Brien before contesting the Kentucky Derby and races in Ireland and France.

While there wasn't so much as a flight Helene Super Star wasn't on as a youngster, it has been out of the frying pan and into the fire under Cruz - this will be his 11th start for the term already.

Helene Super Star struggled through respiratory issues that ruined his Hong Kong Derby hopes during his first campaign, but has turned into a consistent and resilient performer. The now five-year-old seems to have fully adapted to his surroundings and seems ready to break through for his biggest win yet for his new trainer.

After a second to reigning Horse of the Year Designs On Rome, beaten just one and quarter lengths at level weights in the Citibank Hong Kong Gold Cup four weeks ago, Helene Super Star drops back to what is arguably his best distance and, more importantly, carries 10 less pounds than last start.

Of course the effect of weight is relative - and it's the turnaround Helene Super Star gets on his rivals, particularly two of his high rating stablemates, top weight Blazing Speed (Neil Callan) and California Memory (Andreas Suborics) that appeals.

Helene Super Star beat Blazing Speed (third) and California Memory (fifth) home over 2,000m and meets them a massive 17 pounds and seven pounds better at the weights respectively.

It seems 1,800m is Helene Super Star's sweet spot, his Group Two win in Dubai win was over 1,900m, and both of his two local wins have been at today's trip - although his Happy Valley "win" three starts back came after the disqualification of one of his rivals today, Harbour Master.

Gate five is another plus for Helene Super Star, allowing Whyte to use the horse's early speed to take a sit just off the leading group in a race that has been won by leaders the last two years.

In 2014 it was a cheeky front-running ride by Karis Teetan that pinched it on Bubble Chic, and that horse again will be up front, coming across with Khaya to set the tempo.

Of the others, Rewarding Hero (Damian Lane) looms as a possible blowout chance, as he steps out of the considerable shadow cast by stablemate Able Friend and up to 1,800m for the first time. A low draw was crucial to his chances and he gets it with gate two, and his turn of foot will come in handy although he isn't treated well at the weights with 123 pounds.