Tony Cruz is set to pursue further success in the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) at Sha Tin on Sunday, 2 March, as he prepares to field CALIFORNIATOTALITY and STUNNING PEACH in the prestigious Four-Year-Old Classic series. With an impressive record of 1,543 wins as a trainer following 946 victories as a jockey, Cruz remains as determined as ever. He believes both of his entrants, CALIFORNIATOTALITY, to be ridden by Alexis Badel, and STUNNING PEACH, partnered by James McDonald, possess the necessary ability to make a strong impact.
Demonstrating remarkable consistency, ZOUSTAR gelding CALIFORNIATOTALITY has secured five wins at Sha Tin over distances ranging from 1600m to 1800m. His most recent victory, under the guidance of Brenton Avdulla, marked his third win of the season. Having already excelled over 1800m on two occasions, Cruz is confident in his middle-distance potential and sees a bright future for him, possibly extending to 2000m.
While preparing for the Classic Cup, Cruz also continues to assess the career trajectory of CALIFORNIA SPANGLE following his sixth-place finish behind KA YING RISING in the HK$13 million G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) at Sha Tin. Despite leading for much of the race, the gelding was unable to hold off the challengers and finished just under three lengths behind the winner.
CALIFORNIA SPANGLE has been one of Hong Kong’s most distinguished and adaptable racehorses. With 13 wins from 33 starts and total earnings of HK$83.6 million, he has set Sha Tin Griffin track records over 1000m and 1200m. His crowning achievements include victory in the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m) in 2022, where he bested the formidable GOLDEN SIXTY, and a record-breaking performance in the G1 Al Quoz Sprint (1200m) last March.
Looking ahead, Cruz is engaged in discussions with CALIFORNIA SPANGLE’s owners to determine the next phase of his career. While recent performances indicate a possible decline in dominance, his history of success and versatility keeps the possibility of a strong return alive.
