California Spangle for G3 Premier Cup

Luke Middlebrook

Hong Kong racing continues on Sunday with an 11-race turf and dirt card and featuring a Group 3 double-header. A small field of seven will line up for Sunday’s Group 3 Premier Cup over 1400m, with the spotlight on top-weight contender CALIFORNIA SPANGLE.

CALIFORNIA SPANGLE returns to racing since his second-place finish to INVINCIBLE SAGE in the G1 Chairman's Sprint Prize (1200m) in late April, following his G1 triumph in the Al Quoz Sprint (1200m) in Dubai. Last time out, the yielding conditions were not in his favour, but a 56-day rest is likely to have done wonders for him.

The step up to 1400m this week should suit him perfectly. With TELECOM FIGHTERS and PACKING TREADMILL expected to lead, CALIFORNIA SPANGLE can sit just behind them, positioning himself well for a strong finish in the straight.

MUGEN presents a strong chance to come from behind with his impressive turn of foot, which should serve him well in the final stages of the race. Meanwhile, stablemate TAJ DRAGON will benefit from the drop in both distance and class, making him a formidable contender as well.

Star four-year-old GALAXY PATCH is poised to continue his winning ways in the Group 3 Premier Plate over 1800 metres.

On paper, GALAXY PATCH has had an unconventional season, competing over distances ranging from 1000m to 2000m, with a notable runner-up finish in the Hong Kong Derby. Despite this varied campaign, he has consistently delivered strong performances, leaving the question of his optimal distance still open. This Sunday, he will aim to add another string to his bow by tackling 1800m for the first time.

Most recently, GALAXY PATCH triumphed in the G3 Lion Rock Trophy over the mile – his first Group victory – where he overcame a slow-paced race to win narrowly but convincingly. As one of the most promising horses to emerge this season, GALAXY PATCH has the opportunity to cap off the term on a high note with another victory.

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Beauty Missile drops down in grade and start following. Sweet Smile not tested in recent trial and looks very well. Improving with racing and he can take another step forward here. Yuen Long Elite having second start and can improve with experience after turning in a pass mark on debut. You’remyeverything has dropped a lot in the ratings and can improve. My Wish turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly on debut. He was still green, but showed signs of ability.

Race 2: Perfect Team good performance when storming home for third place last start. He needs to make use of the low draw, but he is overdue for a win and shall get his chance to score here. Berlin Tango last start winner who remains in the same grade and will prove a winning chance again. Apache Pass narrowly beaten last start and goes close here. Talents Ambition good performance when storming home for a nice second last start. Super Win Dragon backing up quickly from last week, can run well.

Race 3: Brave Witness looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. A winnable race for him and he should receive every chance from barrier 1. Lucky Banner can lead in this race and be hard to run down with a well-timed ride. G Liner last start winner who remains in the same grade and can show up again. Viva Hunter should be highly suited by the drop back in distance after weakening over 1800m last start. Forever Folks has a good record over this track and distance and can surprise at a price.

Race 4: Volcanic Spark has shown ability and gets his chance to win here. The low draw could provide him with an advantage over some of his key rivals. Serangoon form is good and must be rated a solid chance. The outer alley isn’t ideal but he can win with a good ride. Joy Of Spring remains a maiden galloper but clearly gets a chance to win here. He will get back in the run and be making his usual late move. Kimberley recent runs have been encouraging and can run well. Mister Dapper could sneak a place in a race like this.

Race 5: Steps Ahead looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. Third-up here and looks ready to win and is the one to beat. Storming Dragon holding form with recent good trial and looks well. He’s been costly to his supporters but he should be fighting out the finish here. Meepmeep form is good and is getting close to a win. Foolish Heart last run was better than it reads and do not dismiss. Gluck Racer changed stables recently and has improved after turning in solid, recent runs.

Race 6: Sunny Da Best go on the win two starts ago and give a chance here to improve here. From barrier No 1, he should get the run of race. Master Mastermind holding form with recent good trial and looks well. Provided good health, he will go close to winning. Beauty Alliance had excuses last start when racing wide without cover. Key jockey booking with Purton taking over the reins here and ready to do something. Smart Fighter go on solid previous efforts where form looked okay. He can run a race from the low gate. Let’s Do It will win in this grade very soon.

Race 7: Plenty of winning chances here. Illuminous had genuine excuses last start in a slow run race and consider again. Simple Hedge backing up quickly from last week, can run well and the low gate might just be a decisive factor for his chances. Awesome Fluke good effort last start leading all the way to win and he has improved after a stable change. Woodfire Bro last run was better than it reads and do not dismiss. Packing Hurricane good performance when storming home for third place last start against a slow race shape.

Race 8: California Spangle goes well first-up from a break and rises to 1400m, which looks key to his winning chances. Defeated last start on a yielding track but still ran well for second. Despite top weight, he remains the one to beat. Mugen is capable of running a fast final 400m sectional time and he can win this if the race is run to suit. Taj Dragon is a distance specialist who looks a big chance to show up. Packing Treadmill had genuine vet excuses last start and consider again. He will likely lead and can be hard to run down.

Race 9: Galaxy Patch highly promising four-year-old who is more than capable of winning again in this race. Trying 1800m for the first time won’t pose a problem and he will be hard to hold out. Happy Together talented galloper who is resuming from a break and will acquit himself well here. Chancheng Glory nice four-year-old with a good chance. He will be on-pace and sticking on strongly late. Five G Patch has been knocking on the door and win won’t surprise anyone. Beauty Joy good performance when storming home for third place last start.

Race 10: Handy race, this, with some up-and-comers and a newcomer who, Silk Road Glory, who is well prepared for debut and has trialled well on numerous occasions. Purton takes the ride first-up. Young Superstar created a huge impression at local debut and looks talented. Lucy In The Sky was an easy last start winner and he can handle the rise in class. James Tak had genuine excuses last start and can improve in this race. Goko Win changed trainer and the recent trial win was impressive. He could be one to show improvement.

Race 11: Top Gun go on the win two starts ago and give a chance here to bounce back here after he found himself on-pace in a faster than average run race last start and faded late. Rubylot consistent performer of late and worth considering. Purton takes over the reins, which looks key to his chances. Stellar Express has been knocking on the door and win won’t surprise anyone. Galaxy Witness generally gets back in the running but dashes strongly home. Jolly Ruler consistent form lately and can score.