Trainer Caspar Fownes often uses the quick back-up to good effect and he will strike while the iron is hot with Helene Spirit in the January Cup (1,800m) at Happy Valley tonight.Helene Spirit (Brett Prebble) took a while to find form, but struck at the end of the term with successive victories in his only two Happy Valley starts.The gelding has gone on with the job since returning from his summer break, running well in defeat until it all fell into place for him in the Chinese Club Challenge Tro

Trainer Caspar Fownes often uses the quick back-up to good effect and he will strike while the iron is hot with Helene Spirit in the January Cup (1,800m) at Happy Valley tonight.

Helene Spirit (Brett Prebble) took a while to find form, but struck at the end of the term with successive victories in his only two Happy Valley starts.

The gelding has gone on with the job since returning from his summer break, running well in defeat until it all fell into place for him in the Chinese Club Challenge Trophy on New Year's Day.

He comes back eight days later, stepping up 400m in distance, but that looks an even more suitable trip for him. Helene Spirit is in peak form and has barrier one in his favour. The race lacks regulation leaders on paper, with Same World looking the probable frontrunner from gate two under his light weight and Prebble will likely jump Helene Spirit onto the leader's back and into the box seat.

The interest is in which other horses will be looking to lay up close, with Aomen (Keith Yeung Ming-lun), Pure Champion (Matthew Chadwick) and even Familists and Beauty Lead (Vincent Ho Chak-yiu) all possibilities, but unless they get into some sort of battle, the race looks just moderately run.

Whatever happens, Prebble will get a terrific run on Helene Spirit and the in-form six-year-old looks the horse to beat. (www.racing.scmp.com)