A fierce rivalry reignites at Sha Tin as Tony Cruz, one of Hong Kong’s most iconic horsemen, unleashes a powerful three-pronged attack in the HK$4.2 million Group 3 Queen Mother Memorial Cup Handicap (2400m) on Sunday, May 4, aiming for a record-extending sixth win in the prestigious staying feature.
A six-time champion jockey and dual champion trainer, Cruz boasts an astounding 2,498 combined career victories in Hong Kong—946 in the saddle and 1,552 as a trainer. Already a four-time winner of the Queen Mother Memorial Cup as a trainer, Cruz now saddles LA CITY BLANCHE, FIVE G PATCH, and WINNING DRAGON, with hopes of adding another feather to his cap.
LA CITY BLANCHE and FIVE G PATCH famously delivered a thrilling finish in last year’s running, finishing first and second respectively. “Last year, La City Blanche and Five G Patch had a great battle in the Queen Mother Memorial Cup, and I think they will again,” Cruz said. While he favors FIVE G PATCH, who reunites with Hugh Bowman, the veteran horseman believes Brenton Avdulla’s LA CITY BLANCHE and Alexis Badel’s WINNING DRAGON are also strong contenders.
Cruz skipped the recent HK$28 million G1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m) to keep his trio fresh for this assignment, which also serves as a lead-up to the HK$13 million G1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2400m) on May 25. That race is expected to feature international stars Dubai Honour, Stellenbosch, Al Riffa, and local champion miler Voyage Bubble.
LA CITY BLANCHE and FIVE G PATCH carry top weight at 135lb, followed by WINNING DRAGON (125lb), BUNDLE AWARD (123lb), NOISY BOY (121lb), and BRAVEHEARTS (119lb).
Mark Newnham enters BRAVEHEARTS, a Group 1 winner over 2400m in Argentina, who has won three of six starts this season. Partnered with Matthew Poon, the horse has been specifically aimed at this race. “He’s got a nice, big relaxed stride. He saves energy during the race. I’m happy with the way he’s going into it,” Newnham said.
John Size, also a past winner of this race, fields BUNDLE AWARD with Zac Purton aboard. The 4-year-old steps up to 2400m for the first time after notching two wins up to 1800m in his debut Hong Kong campaign and finishing seventh in the BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m). “He’s done everything right this season… I think he’ll run well,” Size noted.
Dennis Yip, who won this race both as a jockey (1991) and as a trainer (2010), is represented by NOISY BOY, who will be ridden by Jerry Chau. The gelding has already logged two wins this season up to 2200m.
Sunday’s 11-race card at Sha Tin begins with the Tsim Sha Tsui Plate (1000m) for Griffins at 12:30 PM.
