Weight swing crucial for California Spangle in rematch

Having been cleared to ride at Sha Tin on Sunday after testing positive to COVID last weekend, Zac Purton is optimistic a weight advantage will enable California Spangle to topple dual Hong Kong Horse of the Year Golden Sixty in the HK$5 million G2 BOCHK Private Wealth Jockey Club Mile (1600m).

A runaway leader in the Hong Kong jockeys’ championship with 40 wins, Purton has a full book of 10 rides at the weekend and has been cleared to ride following a negative COVID test. He will ride California Spangle, Lucky Sweynesse and Beauty Joy in the meeting’s trio of Grade 2 features.

Beaten by two lengths by Golden Sixty and Vincent Ho at equal weights in the G1 FWD Champions Mile on 24 April, California Spangle will enjoy a 2.5kg weight advantage this Sunday when Golden Sixty bids for his 22nd win at his 25th start.

“California Spangle has the swing in the weights, so that’s going to help but it’s a small field. It’s hard to know how Golden Sixty is going because his last trial was on a pretty ordinary track and he seemed to look after himself, so there’s an unknown there,” Purton said.

“California Spangle has had a couple of starts so he should have a fitness edge as well and this is what we’re here for. You want to take the champ on. Whether we can beat him, we’re going to find out.

“I’m not going to say California Spangle has improved a lot, he’s sort of held his form. He does feel a little bit more mature, but I still feel we’ve got a big task ahead of us. Obviously, I’ve been looking forward to the rematch and here it is – it’s upon us.”

Sunday’s meeting will feature the addition to Hong Kong’s jockey roster of four world-class riders – James McDonald, Blake Shinn, Mickael Barzalona and Hugh Bowman.

“It’s just lovely to be back. I feel really enthusiastic about what lies ahead. I’ve got nice rides on Sunday. Looking forward, I think I’ve got some nice rides at Happy Valley next week and beyond,” said Bowman, who rides Courier Wonder in the G2 BOCHK Private Banking Jockey Club Sprint (1200m) for John Size and Money Catcher for Frankie Lor in the G2 BOCHK Jockey Club Cup (2000m).

“They look handy. I think it’s the time of the year that horses don’t necessarily need to win but if they can run well at these meetings and progress onto the international, a good season lies ahead.

“It’s lovely to be getting the opportunity to ride. They’re not the headline horses for this week but who’s to say they won’t progress into being that later in the season? If these horses can run well, make their presence felt, I’m sure they can all improve on what they do this Sunday and if they win, even better.”

Bowman, who has enjoyed tremendous success on previous Hong Kong stints, will partner David Hall’s Good Buddy in the Class 3 BOCHK BOC Pay Handicap (1400m).

“He was the first horse I sat on since my return and he gave me a really good feel. He galloped very well and he’s got a nice draw – things look to be falling into place for him. Obviously, he’s in very good form, he’s been racing well and his work on Thursday morning would indicate he’s ready to run well,” Bowman said.

Karis Teetan is resigned to watching from the sidelines this weekend as Romantic Warrior resumes in the BOCHK Jockey Club Cup but the Mauritian is confident last season’s revelation – the gelding advanced from unraced Class 4 contender to G1-winning status in the space of eight starts – can perform for James McDonald.

“We had a great connection, me and this horse, and we won some major races last season and it’s a shame that I’m going to miss his races this season. Of course, James can ride the horse. I’m happy that Danny had made a decision – and I think they made the right decision because he’s a good horse and they need a really good jockey on him,” Teetan said of the BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) victor.

“His preparation looks pretty good and I think he’s going to be competitive. He had a minor setback and he’s going to go and take on horses that are running and fit, so it’s going to be a challenge for him.

“But I think he’s got a lot of quality and I think that could help him out.”

Teetan hopes to soon resume race riding after returning to trackwork this week. - HKJC

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Five G Patch can improve second-up from a break and from barrier 1 under SDS. Secret Vision finished powerfully with fastest sectional time ranking last start. He’s unknown at the trip, but reaching peak form. Hit The Shot last start winner who remains in the same grade, he can go on with it. Woodfire Bro nice horse who is a model of consistency and looks a chance. Above has been placed last two starts and deserves a win soon, and he’s no query at the trip.

Race 2: Ice Legend drops down in grade and start following, he looks ready to win again from a low draw and with Purton taking the ride. Supreme Lucky has trialled well for debut and should be rated a chance. He will need early luck from barrier 10, however. Super Sunny Sing caught wide last start and still ran well, he’s on the verge of another win. Brave Dreams was an easy last start winner and must be respected. I Give newcomer who has trialled well for debut.

Race 3: Running Glory caught the eye last start when running home well into second, he can go one place better second-up from a nice draw under Purton. Rise Brethren racing in great form and expect another good run with McDonald engaged to ride. Sight Spirit well placed and looks like a chance in race like this. Celestial Power will find this easier than last start and can find improvement. Looking Great had genuine excuses last start when caught wide. Go on prior good form.

Race 4: Circuit Mighty showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight but then went to the line untested late, it was a good run. Horsesain Bolt drops down in grade and start following, he can run a big race with luck from gate 10 for McDonald. Coming Patch down in class here and can surprise, start to follow. War Weapon caught the eye last start when running home well and he seems to be getting close to a win. Commanding Missile has dropped a lot in the ratings and can improve more.

Race 5: There’s plenty of talent contesting this race. Golden Express newcomer who has trialled well for debut and has drawn well in gate 1. If fit enough, he can win. Victor The Winner video replay showed last run was very good and from barrier 2 for McDonald, he’ll be a winning chance. Island Golden impressive debut winner who is a big winning chance, but barrier 12 is sticky. Lord Thunder talented galloper who is resuming from a break and can give this a shake. Circuit Ten video replay showed last run was very good, he’ll be better second-up.

Race 6: Wellington Hong Kong’s best sprinter who looks very hard to oppose here. He should be winning again on how he’s handled his rivals recently. Lucky Sweynesse showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight, but it was too quick and condition told late. Cordyceps Six last run was better than it reads and do not dismiss. Super Wealthy a last start winner who trialled well since and will map a chance. Sky Field has been placed last two starts and deserves a win soon. Barrier 13 is far from ideal, however.

Race 7: Golden Sixty Hong Kong’s best horse who needs no introduction. First-up with HKIR in mind is the query, and as usual, he’ll need a well-timed steer from Vincent Ho. Barrier 6 of 6 is awkward. California Spangle clearly appears to be the biggest danger to the favourite and this will be his best chance yet to turn the tables on Golden Sixty. He can lead and prove hard to run down. More Than This last run was better than it reads and do not dismiss. Turin Redsun looks a place chance if holding form. Waikuku can sneak a place on best form and barrier 1 could spark improvement.

Race 8: Romantic Warrior top class galloper who looks on track to be one of Hong Kong’s best and his class will carry him a long way here. Fitness will be the concern first-up. Russian Emperor will be suited by the rise in distance and can run well off the back of an impressive barrier trial. He reunites with Blake Shinn and look for a bold run. Beauty Joy every chance last start but still ran a good race and he’ll be thereabouts again. Senor Toba reaching peak form and can go close here, but place chances seem best. Tourbillon Diamond consistent performer of late and worth considering.

Race 9: Oriental Smoke had genuine excuses last start and consider again. He can bounce back from a low draw and back in trip. Lucky With You holding form with recent good trial and looks well, he can give this a shake-up. Ima Single Man has been placed last two starts and deserves a win soon and barrier 3 will afford every hope. Fantastic Way last start winner who remains in the same grade and will be running well again. Packing Victory had excuses last start and forget the run, he can bounce back here.

Race 10: Erimo winner of last two starts and is a big chance here to land a hat-trick of wins having drawn well low in 3 where he’ll map with all winning hope. Good Buddy narrowly beaten last start and goes close here from barrier 1. Winner Method looks a solid good chance based on last start when second place, top chance under McDonald. Happy Day good performance when storming home for third place last start and again he’ll be making a late bid. Decrypt good performance when storming home for a nice second last start.