California Spangle for G2 win at Sha Tin

Luke Middlebrook

Hong Kong racing continues at Sha Tin on Sunday where the Grade 2 Oriental Watch Sha Tin Trophy Handicap over 1600m heads up the 10-race turf and dirt card.

In that event, thriving four-year-old California Spangle looks all set to continue his winning ways after trouncing his rivals first-up.

The up-and-comer was a force to be reckoned with throughout last season’s Four-Year-Old Classic Series, winning the Classic Cup (1800m) and runner-up in the Classic Mile and Hong Kong Derby when narrowly defeated by Romantic Warrior.

California Spangle’s final race last term showed he was no slouch against older opposition when he gave Golden Sixty a run for his money in the Grade 1 Champions Mile, checking home two lengths into second.

California Spangle resumed with a facile two-length score in the Grade 3 Celebration Cup (1400m) 21 days ago, making all in the running as he is best known for. Looking likely to again be the sole leader in this week’s race, while all but one of his rivals are first-up (and many of them needing further), California Spangle can add another big-race success to his name.

Elsewhere, trainer Caspar Fownes' sprinter Big Me can remain unbeaten when he steps out in the Class 4 1000m Handicap down the straight (Race 4).

Big Me did a lot wrong on debut at this track and distance 15 days ago, slow to begin and settling at the back. However, his talent was on full show as he came with a withering late burst to draw clear 1.25 lengths the better of the runner-up.

He has to defy the handicapper second-up, but is aided by Alfred Chan’s 2.5kg claim, and he gives the impression that he’s much better than Class 4 ability.

With plenty of speed on paper, more so than a usual 1000m dash, he should get the race run to suit and looks hard to hold out again.

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Island Golden newcomer who has trialled well for debut on multiple occasions and he looks hard to beat on debut from the low draw under SDS. Noble Ace showed improvement at a recent trial and has to be respected with Purton riding for Size. Inspiring City resuming from a break and trialled well enough recently to suggest he can run a race. Young Sparkle fair trial, watch the betting. Joyful Champion ran the third fastest sectional time last start and will be fitter now.

Race 2: Murray’s Partners drops down in grade and start following. He looks hard to beat in the grade for Yip/Purton. Loyal Ambition looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. He is another solid contender. Superb Daddy changed stables recently and has improved after a strong last-start placing. Flash Famous old-timer who is racing in good form and can run well and is in with a winning chance. Fortune Triple last run was better than it reads and do not dismiss.

Race 3: Lucky With You talented sprinter with a great second-up record and who was most impressive winning first-up. He can continue his winning ways. Fantastic Way turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly and he will map to get every chance from pole position. Ima Single Man looks a solid good cd-hance based on last start and will benefit from the 10lb claim. Rock Ya Heart had genuine excuses last start and can improve in this race. Toronado Phantom can unleash a strong turn-of-foot under the right race shape and expect an eye-catching run.

Race 4: Big Me impressive debut winner who is hard to beat here remaining at the same track and distance. He looks on an upward trend and better than Class 4 ability. Cheval Valiant should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way. The 10lb claim is good for his chances. Amazing Rocky narrowly beaten last start and goes close here with Purton remaining in the saddle. Flying High last start placing was full of merit, nice effort and consider again. Young Horizon showed improvement at a recent trial and he may sneak a place at odds.

Race 5: Star Contact last start winner who retains good form. The penny seems to have dropped and, in an open race, he should be measuring up again. Bulb Pals resuming from a break and the recent trial was okay. Purton rides, so have to respect. Stunning Impact always finishes close up and must be rated a chance at this level. Third-up now and no excuses. Baebae Tsoi good effort last start leading all the way to win at big odds. Whether or not it was a fluke, time will tell. Double Show can improve second-up from a break after showing no interest first-up.

Race 6: Looking Cool turned in a good run last start and must be rated a good chance to win second-up from the low draw under Purton. Intrepid Winner looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. He can give this a shake. Hit The Shot improving all the time with race experience and he looked well in a recent trial. Entrusted caught the eye last start when running home well into second. He has to be in with a shot here. Romantic Combo reaching peak form and can go close here with the right run. His last-start sixth was solid on-pace.

Race 7: Sweet Encounter good effort last start leading all the way to win. He looks headed higher. The query being second-up to 1400m and his debut win was run at a leisurely tempo. Blissful Star looks a solid good chance based on last start and he is drawn well for Purton. Universal Horizon consistent performer of late and worth considering. Only at his third start here and he is yet to miss the frame. Circuit Mighty video replay showed last run was very good after copping a late check. Copartner Era video replay showed last run was very good.

Race 8: California Spangle top class four-year-old who looks hard to beat in this race after demolishing his rivals first-up. With most of his rivals first-up here, and looking to get a soft time on the lead, he can run them ragged again. Beauty Joy clearly appears to be the big- gest danger to the favourite after winning impressively multiple times last season. His manners are the query. Turin Redsun nice four-year-old with a good chance here at the weights. Excellent Proposal can upset some more fancied rivals on best form, keep safe as he can return to best form anytime. Russian Emperor talented stayer who can sprint well fresh here. He may need the run, but hard to knock his ability.

Race 9: Happy Daily good performance when storming home for a nice second last start but he had plenty of excuses in running. Up in class here but can measure up. Captain Win looked unlucky when being held up at a crucial stage last start. En Pointe good trial when not tested and he can run a race fresh. Ice Legend nice effort last start when finishing strongly.

Race 10: Bundle Of Charm showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight, but condition told late. He can take beating second-up. Packing Treadmill video replay showed last run was very good and he can run a big race under Purton. Private Rocket has a chance based on past form in this class of race. Super Fortune should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way, but he has a few obstacles to overcome. Science Patch recent runs have been encouraging and can run well on the light weight up in class.