CALIFORNIA SPANGLE’s prospects of returning to Dubai for a second tilt at the G1 AL QUOZ SPRINT (1200m) will be decided after his run in the HK$13 million G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) at Sha Tin on Sunday (23 February), with trainer Tony Cruz waiting to assess his performance.
A proven Group 1-winning miler and runner-up in the BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m), CALIFORNIA SPANGLE showcased his adaptability last season by clinching both the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup and the G1 Al Quoz Sprint. However, the seven-year-old has struggled to find his best form this campaign, finishing eighth behind VOYAGE BUBBLE in the G1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m) on 19 January.
Despite a lacklustre season so far, Cruz remains optimistic following an encouraging 1200m dirt barrier trial win on 7 February. “You saw the barrier trial, he’s back in business. The trial was good, and the jockey was very happy with him,” Cruz said. “His condition compared to last season is not as good, so we’ll make a decision after the race on Sunday. Let’s see the outcome before we decide on Dubai.”
CALIFORNIA SPANGLE made history at Meydan last year by breaking the 1200m course record in the Al Quoz Sprint under Brenton Avdulla. This weekend, he faces a strong field that includes KA YING RISING, BEAUTY ETERNAL, BEAUTY JOY, HELIOS EXPRESS, HOWDEEPISYOURLOVE, INVINCIBLE SAGE, RED LION, PATCH OF THETA and MUGEN.
Cruz will also saddle FIVE G PATCH, LA CITY BLANCHE and WINNING DRAGON in the HK$13 million CITI Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m), where they take on reigning Hong Kong Horse of the Year VOYAGE BUBBLE. “They’re all ready for the race. They’re all 2000-metre and above horses, but I’m happy with their condition going into the race,” Cruz said. The race has also drawn GALAXY PATCH, CHANCHENG GLORY, ENSUED, HAPPY TOGETHER, STRAIGHT ARRON and SWORD POINT.
Francis Lui, Hong Kong’s champion trainer, acknowledges the challenge of taking on KA YING RISING in the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup with PATCH OF THETA. “KA YING RISING is outstanding. PATCH OF THETA is okay, he’s kept his form, and I hope he can improve a little bit more, but KA YING RISING is outstanding. Just hope for the best,” LUI said.
Hong Kong racing continues tonight at Happy Valley, where Australian rider James Orman and English jockey Richard Kingscote commence their short-term riding stints. Orman partners Francis Lui, trained MAGIC BEANS in the first section of the Class 4 Kwai Chung Handicap (1200m), while Richard Kingscote teams up with BRAVE JOY in the Class 4 Tsuen Wan Handicap (1000m).
