Son Of Starspangledbanner Takes Hong Kong Classic

California Spangle (4g Starspangledbanner - Pearlitas Passion, by High Chaparral) made all to land a valuable prize in Sunday’s Hong Kong Classic Cup at Sha Tin.

Stepping up to nine furlongs, Tony Cruz’s was sent off favourite under Zac Purton and began to draw clear from a furlong and a half out. Keeping on well, he scored by a length on the line.

Speaking after the race, Cruz commented, “We always had confidence this horse would run the distance because his dam is by High Chaparral. The plan from day one was that this horse, even though he’s a real sprinter, was to wait for the straight, wait for the opposition to come and then make a move. He was in control for the whole race.”

The Hong Kong Derby is next on the agenda for California Spangle, who has won six of his eight career starts. The son of Starspangledbanner is owned by Howard Liang Yum Shing and was bred by M Enright.