With the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races (HKIR) rapidly approaching on 11 December, the performance of California Spangle at Sha Tin last Sunday (25 September) certainly bodes well for our flagship meeting.
Tony Cruz and Zac Purton had made no secret of their shared opinion of California Spangle during an accomplished four-year-old campaign and his return at the weekend could scarcely been more impressive, winning the G3 Celebration Cup Handicap (1400m) effortlessly in 1m 20.49s.
The manner of the performance, which earned a 10-point rise in the handicap to 121, prompted Tony to outline a tilt at the LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m), where a rematch with reigning Hong Kong Horse of the Year Golden Sixty potentially awaits.
While California Spangle faced only a small field on his seasonal resumption, the stopwatch adequately captured his quality with 400m sectionals of 21.72s, 22.61s and 22.78s as Zac ensured his mount did only what was necessary to win. By way of comparison, and bearing in mind the soft nature of the victory, California Spangle’s time compares favourably with Beauty Generation’s Group/Listed 1400m Sha Tin record of 1m 20.05s.
The reappearance of several of Hong Kong’s leading runners at the trials on Tuesday (27 September) ahead of imminent competitive returns adds only to the building sense of anticipation as the Club prepares for HKIR.
We are entering one of the busiest and most important phases of the season – both locally and abroad – with the countdown to HKIR, while next week the International Conference of Horseracing Authorities in Paris will address several key issues, including World Pool, rules harmonisation and climate change.
As Chair of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA), I look forward to sharing information and exchanging views in discussions with colleagues from other jurisdictions over issues integral to the growth and welfare of horseracing globally.
We have seen the success of World Pool and there is a clear appetite among racing organisations around the world to be part of the World Pool and, given its growth, we want to further expand World Pool.
Another important topic – and one which racing is yet to fully address – is sustainability and a pathway towards carbon neutral.
I am excited to canvass all of these matters with my racing peers when we gather in Paris and it is clear the whole industry has to be prepared for significant changes over how operate in the future.
One of the highlights of returning to Paris after missing last year’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe will be the chance to witness this Sunday’s race which, subject to final declarations, will feature the best European, British and Japanese 2400m horses, including Luxembourg, Alpinista, Titleholder, Vadeni, Westover, Adayar and the 2021 winner Torquator Tasso.
At Happy Valley on Wednesday night, the fourth race is the Taxation Institute of Hong Kong 50th Anniversary Cup, a Class 4 handicap over 1200 metres which will be run at a good tempo. Loriz and Happy Tango will push forward from the inside barriers. Loriz is making his seasonal debut with Derek Leung, while Happy Tango will have a change of surface from dirt to turf with Lyle Hewitson.
Zac Purton will call on Compassion Super to use his speed to cross from a wide barrier to also be prominent. Compassion Super ended last season on a winning note and led throughout to win a barrier trial in slow time in preparation for his return. I will choose to leave him out as this race is run on the C course and it will take a big effort in his first-up run from the wide gate.
Hercules has the benefit of a creditable first-up run and is a win and place chance to give trainer Dennis Yip his first win of the season. He will get a nice run from midfield with Alexis Badel and seems primed for a big effort.
Triple Triple had no luck in his first-up run two weeks ago when he could not obtain clear running in the straight. Matthew Poon has the return ride and I expect an improved performance. He is a place chance.
Strive For Glory is up in grade as a last-start winner when he led throughout. He does not have the speed to lead here but his closing sectionals were good in his recent win and he gets in with a light weight. Matthew Chadwick will need to work out a trip and I make him a place chance along with the speedy Loriz.
It should be noted that Country Treasure has never trialled at Happy Valley. He does have speed and will help make the running with Luke Currie but I am not convinced he can see out the trip.
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