Hong Kong: California Spangle tries to slay giant again in Mile

California Spangle was the giant killer last year in the Group 1 Hong Kong Mile, defeating the outstanding champion Golden Sixty, and his trainer Tony Cruz believes the combination of a new jockey and an excellent draw can be inductive to a similar performance in Sunday’s showpiece.

The classy miler handed Cruz his 11th win at the Hong Kong International Races last year, meaning he returns as the meet’s most successful trainer. The former top jockey is confident changes within the team will not stop California Spangle producing another electric display.

“We’ve had to change the jockey, but at least we can get hold of Christophe Soumillon, and I think that will make a big difference,” Cruz said in Sha Tin’s parade ring Thursday. “I know him very well. He’s ridden for me in the (Hong Kong) international races before, so I’m very happy to have him.

Zac Purton rode California Spangle to lead most of the way and defeat Golden Sixty by a neck in a dramatic running of last year’s Mile, but Hong Kong’s six-time champion jockey has not ridden the 5-year-old for his two starts this campaign.

Hugh Bowman was aboard when the gelding made a winning reappearance in the one-mile Sha Tin Trophy Handicap (G2) in October, and Matthew Chadwick partnered him to a fourth-placed effort in the one-mile Jockey Club Mile (G2) last time.

Cruz is turning to a trusted figure to deliver him back to back victories in the race with Soumillon booked to ride California Spangle for the first time. The rider from Belgium will be bidding to win his third Hong Kong Mile after success with another locally trained star Good Ba Ba in 2008 and Admire Mars in 2019.

“There’s been a lot of change in jockeys and also the owner sadly passed away, but California Spangle is in very good form coming into this race,” Cruz said. “I’m very happy with his condition, and I’m delighted with the (post) draw.”

California Spangle drew 3 at the official ceremony, just one post position wider than when he was victorious last year. His trainer believes it will allow him to take advantage of his blistering early speed.

“I don’t believe anybody can take him on for the lead,” Cruz said. “He’s still the fastest horse there, and he’s got an inside draw. He’s going to dictate the race again.”

Golden Sixty broke from stall 4 last year. This time he will have to negotiate the widest berth in 14, a factor Cruz believes will make life difficult for Stanley Chan’s behemoth.

“It doesn’t seem like a good place to be,” Cruz said. “Last year we were lucky, because we were in front, and he had to go around the field on the turn. In doing that he came too late to catch California Spangle.”

Cruz will also run last year’s fourth-place finisher Beauty Joy in the Mile. He also is doubly represented in the 1 1/2-mile Hong Kong Vase (G1) with Five G Patch and La City Blanche. Champion Dragon lines up for him in the 1 1/4-mile Hong Kong Cup (G1).

The Hong Kong International Races take place Sunday at Sha Tin. The Vase is at 1:10 a.m., the Sprint (G1) at 1:50 a.m., the Mile at 3 a.m. and the Cup at 3:40 a.m. EST.

Coverage of the Hong Kong International Races at Horse Racing Nation is made possible through a sponsorship from the Hong Kong Jockey Club.