Tony Cruz believes a gear change and a more favourable weight scenario could pave the way for California Spangle’s form resurgence when the gelding contests the HK$13 million Group 1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m) at Sha Tin on Sunday.
Cruz has decided to add cheek pieces to California Spangle after the bay’s recent indifferent form and, with Hugh Bowman aboard from barrier two, the dual Hong Kong champion trainer is optimistic his stable flagbearer is primed to fire.
“He’s well. I’ve put the cheek pieces on him and otherwise he looks in great condition,” Cruz said of the 11-time winner, whose best victory so far came over Golden Sixty in the 2022 Group 1 Hong Kong Mile (1600m) at Sha Tin.
Cruz believes California Spangle’s last run when seventh behind Taj Dragon in the Group 3 Chinese Club Challenge Cup Handicap (1400m) on January 1 can be overlooked.
“He got knocked down the last race and it was game over,” Cruz said. “I expect him to run well – much better – this time because of the weights.”
California Spangle carried 135lb when finishing four and a half lengths behind Taj Dragon but drops to 126lb on Sunday and meets his seven rivals on equal terms.
Cruz will also be represented by Beauty Joy, who chases his first Group 1 triumph, having twice won at Group 3 level.
“Beauty Joy, at set weights, he’s going to come late. I hope he catches them but he’s going to run well,” Cruz said.
Beauty Joy impressed last season at the highest level when runner-up to Golden Sixty in the Group 1 Champions Mile (1600m) and caught the eye last start with a strong-finishing third behind Taj Dragon.
With the exception of Golden Sixty, who bypasses the weekend feature after suffering a minor leg issue, Cruz’s pair will face a cluster of elite Hong Kong gallopers headed by Voyage Bubble (126lb), Straight Arron (126lb), Russian Emperor (126lb), Beauty Eternal (126lb), Healthy Happy (126lb) and Fantastic Treasure (126lb).
The first leg of Hong Kong’s Triple Crown, the Stewards’ Cup will be followed by the HK$13 million Group 1 Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) on February 25 and HK$13 million Group 1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2400m) on May 26.
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