Advulla keen to ride California Spangle

Bracing for a busy weekend with prize rides in Hong Kong and Sydney, Brenton Avdulla is wary and excited ahead of a raceday reunion with California Spangle in the HK$5.35 million G2 Premier Bowl Handicap (1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday.

Avdulla will partner California Spangle for the first time since last season when the pair combined for elite success in the G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) at Sha Tin on 10 March and the G1 Al Quoz Sprint (1200m) at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai on 30 March.

Those triumphs catapulted Tony Cruz’s flagbearer to acclaim as Hong Kong Champion Sprinter and thrust Avdulla onto the international stage and the Australian hopes California Spangle can carry him to further glory this season as he tracks towards the HK$26 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) on 8 December.

“He (California Spangle) has been an amazing horse for me since I’ve been in Hong Kong. We had two Group 1 wins – so he really put me on the map in Hong Kong. He’s a special horse and hopefully we can see what he can do again this season,” Avdulla said.

Carrying top weight of 61.5kg this weekend Avdulla concedes the task of conceding weight to outstanding young sprinter Ka Ying Rising – and 9kg – to other speedsters when first-up is a daunting task.

“He’s got a really good sprinting record over 1200m-1400m (but) to kick off there at the weekend with top weight – 135lb over 1200m – it’s going to be a big ask for him against some up and coming horses, but (I’m) excited to get him back to the races,” the Australian said.

“I think he handled himself really well all season and he seems to have come back well this time.

“I’m happy with him and he’s in good order. It’s not an easy task for him to run first-up in this sort of grade and carry that big weight against some smart, up and coming horses but I expect him to run well.”

While California Spangle jousts for the first time with Ka Ying Rising, record-breaking winner of the Class 1 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup Handicap (1200m) on 8 September, the six-year-old renews his rivalry with Invincible Sage this week.

Invincible Sage thrived in rain-affected going to down California Spangle in the G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) in April and David Hall expects the 118-rater to continue to build fitness and form after his sixth behind Beauty Waves when resuming in the G3 National Day Cup Handicap (1000m) on 1 October. Invincible Sage is again paired with Hugh Bowman.

“He’s probably not fully screwed down yet, maybe another race will bring him right to his best but I think he’s made some improvement from the first run and hopefully he’s going to show a little bit more than he did first-up,” Hall said.

Hall is also represented in the Premier Bowl by Flying Ace (Matthew Poon) and Encountered (Harry Bentley), who has his first start for the stable.

“Everyone knows Flying Ace is probably on his mark at this level but he was just honest and genuine last season. He’s another one that, with his rating, he’s either got to drop down a little bit or he might be able to fluke a good barrier, get a good run and still get some prizemoney,” Hall said.

“With Encountered, it’s just a race where he has to start off. His rating is very difficult, so this is just a ‘prep’ run. He’s coming off some horrible form and it will be just interesting to see where he’s at and how his health is.”

Sunday’s HKJC 140th Anniversary Raceday at Sha Tin features 10 races. - Hong Kong Jockey Club

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Pakistan Friend a proven performer at this level, he has trialled well for his return and looks a strong contender with Purton aboard. Casa Legend last start winner who remains in the same class and aims for a double. Not A Few caught the eye flashing home late to finish fourth in Class 4 and could show further improvement dropping to Class 5. Youth Power backing up quickly from a good last-star effort and can run well again. Beau Gosse still a maiden galloper but gets his chance to win from a good draw.

Race 2: Forerunner looks overdue for a win, and with Purton taking the reins, his consistency could get rewarded. Amazing Run has shown big improvement this season and rates among the better chances. Harmony N Home his recent runs have been encouraging and he should be highly competitive in this wide-open race. Affirm a fast beginner who can run well if he finds an easy lead, which looks likely. Corleone is well prepared for debut with several trials and must be respected with Bowman aboard from pole position.

Race 3: Master Mastermind last start winner who has trialled well since, he remains the one to beat in Class 4, despite the wide draw. Ballistic Win with a racing style of getting back and charging home late, he needs a fast early pace to produce a big finish. Jumbo Fortune he has recently been knocking on the door and is well weighted in this race. Mighty Strength holding form with a recent trial, he should play a key role. Pearl Of Pang’s possesses tactical speed and could cause an upset in a race lacking frontrunners.

Race 4: Fun N Glory performed well at the end of last season and looks a big winning chance first-up with Britney Wong’s 4.5kg claim. Super Legends was an easy last start winner and must be respected as he remains in the same class. Beauty Missile resuming from a break, he has dropped in the ratings and appears ideally placed in Class 4. Majestic Express did not disgrace at his last run, but the top weight and wide draw are the main concerns. Happy Park showed good improvement last start and cannot be ignored.

Race 5: Patch Of Theta a highly promising galloper, he is primed to go one place better after finishing a close second first-up. Stunning Peach a Derby contender this season, he should run well first-up, though the mile trip may be slightly below his best. Chiu Chow Spirit had genuine excuses (roarer) last start and is worth considering again as he draws well with the drop in class. Karma has been in great form and will make his presence felt late if the pace suits. Star Contact his recent runs have been encouraging and could surprise at value with a 10-pound claimer, despite the rise in class.

Race 6: Courier Aladdin scored an impressive debut win and has trialled well for his return, making a cross-seasonal double well within reach, especially with Purton retaining the ride. New Future Folks has found only one too good in both starts and can break through anytime in Class 4. Blazing Wind stormed home for a close second last time out, and from an inside draw, he should go close to winning. Patch Of Time was narrowly beaten last start and remains a lightweight chance. Harold Win scored an overdue win last start and is always a threat in this class.

Race 7: Ka Ying Rising a rising star in excellent form, winning a Class 1 race easily with top weight last start—a rare feat in Hong Kong. He looks hard to oppose, even with the step up to a Group 2 feature. California Spangle a multiple Group 1 winner resuming from a break, he has trialled well for his return and should be highly competitive despite the top weight. Invincible Sage goes well second-up from a break and cannot be ignored with Bowman aboard. Beauty Waves has been ultra-consistent and appears a lightweight chance. Helios Express talented type resuming from a spell, he should run well with fresh legs, despite facing strong opponents.

Race 8: Packing Hermod unbeaten from two starts to date, including an easy win in this class last time out. He remains the one to beat, despite the wide draw. Super Infinity caught the eye last start when running home well and could secure a Top 3 finish with some early intent. Great State turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly into third, and is worth considering despite an unfavourable jockey booking. Captain Win has been in great form recently and rates among the better chances. Thunder Blink failed as the favourite last start but has trialled well since, not out of it.

Race 9: Winning Gold recently completed a hat-trick and looks on track for a fourth straight win, remaining in Class 3. Illuminous flashed home late into second last start and he could go one better if the pace suits. Turin Starspangled scored an easy win last start and should run well again with Purton remaining on board. Star Mac was slow to begin but charged home strongly into second last start. With a clean jump, he can make amends. Sunstrider appears ideally placed at the weights and must be respected.

Race 10: Green N White has been racing consistently in Class 3 and is primed for a first-up win after trialling well for his return. Prestige Always scored a tenacious win in this class last time out and remains a chance despite the awkward draw. Simple Hedge resuming from a break after a quiet trial, so the betting market will be the best guide. Sky Trust rising in class and meets better quality horses but can measure up. Never Too Soon caught the eye last start with a powerful finish. With the apprentice claim, he could surprise at odds.