A second tilt at the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint (1200m) in Dubai in April for California Spangle will hinge on the veteran’s performance in the HK$13 million Group 1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) at Sha Tin on Sunday.
A Group 1-winning miler and Hong Kong Derby (2000m) runner-up, California Spangle underscored his quality and versatility by triumphing in both the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup and Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint last March.
Now seven, California Spangle has failed to recapture his best form in five starts this season, with a last-start eighth to Voyage Bubble in the Group 1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m) on January 19, but trainer Tony Cruz believes the 120-rater is primed for an improved performance after winning a 1200m dirt barrier trial on February 7.
“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 broke the Meydan 1200m course record when scoring under Brenton Avdulla in the Al Quoz Sprint last year and Cruz hopes the 13-time winner can rebound with a decent effort against Ka Ying Rising, Beauty Eternal, Beauty Joy, Helios Express, Howdeepisyourlove, Invincible Sage, Red Lion, Patch Of Theta and Mugen.
Dual Hong Kong champion trainer Cruz will also pit Five G Patch, La City Blanche and Winning Dragon into battle against Voyage Bubble in the HK$13 million Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) on Sunday.
“They’re all ready for the race. They’re all 2000 metres and above horses, but I’m happy with their condition going into the race,” Cruz said.
The Hong Kong Gold Cup also includes Galaxy Patch, Chancheng Glory, Ensued, Happy Together, Straight Arron and Sword Point.
Reigning Hong Kong champion trainer Francis Lui is taking a pragmatic approach to challenging Ka Ying Rising on Sunday 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.
“Chancheng Glory is also in good form. He’s maintained his form, so we hope he can run well.”
Hong Kong racing continues Wednesday at Happy Valley, where Australian James Orman – who rides Francis Lui-trained Magic Beans in the first section of the Class 4 Kwai Chung Handicap (1200m) – and Englishman Richard Kingscote – who also joins forces with Lui aboard Brave Joy in the Class 4 Tsuen Wan Handicap (1000m) – start short-term riding stints in the city.
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