Tony Cruz has high hopes for talented youngster California Spangle after he extended his unbeaten run to two in Sunday’s Pearce Memorial Challenge Cup (1,200m) at Sha Tin.

The Irish-bred three-year-old made light work of his rivals in the Griffin race, Neil Callan taking him straight to the front before coming away to win comfortably.

California Spangle looks to have plenty of upside with the way he handled the favourite – the John Size-trained Toronado Phantom – with ease.

He’s also running sharp time. He set a new Griffin record down the 1,000m straight on debut and he now owns the 1,200m mark after clocking a slick 1:08.47, eclipsing the previous record by .33 seconds, set by Shangdong General in 2007.

“He’s got ability,” Cruz said. “He’s a bit green. He got a bit lost in the straight because he was left alone too long in front but he’s sure to mature and he’ll be a better horse next year.”

While he would be eligible for the Classic Series next season, the leading trainer plans on keeping him to shorter trips.

“I’ll stick to 1,200m, I think that’s his best distance. He’s by Starspangledbanner and he was at his best as a sprinter,” Cruz said.

There is also a painful operation in the colt’s future.

“I’m still going to geld him and he has a little break now before next season,” the trainer confirmed before going on to secure a double with Galaxy Emperor (Karis Teetan) in the seventh race.

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California Spangle’s win continued the good recent form of Callan, who now has four winners from the past three meetings, but unfortunately his day was cut short through dehydration.

The Irishman, who will return to the United Kingdom after the season, was stood down by the club doctor after the third race, missing his final seven rides.

One of them would have made Callan feel even more uncomfortable with Jerry Chau Chun-lok replacing him aboard the Benno Yung Tin-pang-trained Coolceleb in the first section of the Class Four Li Cup (1,200m) and saluting at $25.

Yung snares double on the dirt

While Callan missed out, Coolceleb’s victory was the first leg of a double for Yung, who also tasted success with Ka Ying Master.

The latter has been super consistent this season, winning four races after a successful throat operation in February 2020.

The results of that are there for all to see and Zac Purton gave him another terrific ride, settling the five-year-old in the box seat before hitting the front and holding off the late challenges of Private Rocket and Mega Heart.

It was Ka Ying Master’s first start on the all-weather track and he handled it with aplomb.

“I think that’s the ideal ride for this horse,” Yung said. “I always thought he would handle the dirt – I think he’s good on both surfaces.

“He had throat surgery last year and it has been successful. This season he’s been quite consistent. I think he can handle Class Two – he has ability. He had that wind issue and that was the only thing stopping him.”

Coolceleb has also had some health issues recently, featuring on the vet’s report in each of his past two starts.

Yung seems to have gotten on top of that problem though as the five-year-old rattled home over the top of his rivals to defeat Dashing Fit and Jade Theatre.

“The last two times he had a substantial amount of mucus in his trachea so that’s what stopped him from his normal performance. We didn’t have that problem this time,” the trainer said. “It’s a bit disappointing for Neil [that he had to be replaced], but Jerry stepped in and did well.”

Yung now has 31 winners for the season, beating his return of 24 from the previous campaign.

Borges bounces back with a winner

Vagner Borges secured his first victory since returning from a nine-meeting suspension, producing a nice ride to salute on Copartner Era in the Class Four Arculli Trophy (1,600m).

The Brazilian jockey, who was back in the saddle for Thursday’s Establishment Day programme, now has 22 winners for the campaign after saluting aboard Chris So Wai-yin’s five-year-old.

After drawing barrier four, Corpartner Era enjoyed a quiet run before hitting his stride in the straight to run over the top of the heavily-backed Free Foal.

“Earlier in the season Borges rode this horse and did well so that’s why we went back to him. He did a good job,” So said.

Despite jumping at $13, the trainer was bullish about Copartner Era’s chances.

“I told the owner the horse should win in Class Four with a light weight. When he dropped to Class Five, he won straight away. He just needs some luck and the circumstances of the race to go his way,” So said.

“He had a good draw, he was able to settle midfield and then find clear running in the straight. His sprint is just a bit short but if he gets a quiet run he can come home strong.”

Beauty Generation, Exultant to be honoured

Recently retired superstars Beauty Generation and Exultant will be honoured at the Jockey Club Champion Awards on Tuesday week.

Connections will each be presented with a “Lifetime Achievement Award”, in recognition of their “great contributions to Hong Kong racing”.

Beauty Generation was twice named Horse of the Year (in 2017-18 and 2018-19), finishing his career with eight Group Ones while collecting HK$106,233,750 across his 34 starts to make him the highest prize money earner in Hong Kong racing history.

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Exultant is the reigning Horse of the Year and has five Group Ones to his credit, picking up HK$83,491,900 in prize money in his 32 starts.

The Champion Awards will be held on Tuesday, July 13.