Not only will the blazing-fast California Spangle stretch out beyond 1,200 meters for the first time in the Hong Kong Classic Mile when he tries 1,600 meters but it will be his first start against stakes company. It seems to be a lot to ask but so far, all he has done is provide answers.
California Spangle began his career on June 13 last year in a Griffin race going five furlongs at Sha Tin. After an awkward start, he quickly seized command in the first 400 meters and streaked down the straight of the 1,000-meter sprint. An easy winner by a length, his time of 55.33 seconds was a class record for the distance. Back on July 4 against the same class but stretched out to 1200 meters, he romped by 2 ¼ lengths in 1:08.47 seconds with his last 400 meters in 22.64. Did I mention he carried 133 pounds?
So, after his summer break, Tony Cruz brought him out in a class 3 handicap going 1,200 meters on Oct. 24. From post 12, he was used hard to get over to the inside and ran his first 400 meters in 23.00. While that might not seem fast at first glance, remember that the races are automatically timed and there is not a run-up to a timing pole like we have. Twenty-three flat is the fastest first 400 meters run this year in 1,200-meter races at Sha Tin and California Spangle paid the price in the final yards when Rock Ya Heart nailed him on the wire.
He only picked up one pound off the loss and even from post 13, he came back four weeks later and won easily. With his rating now 82, Cruz moved him up to class 2 where he got in with a feathery 116 pounds. After setting a much slower pace, Fantastic Way put a nose in front but California Spangle kicked back in and drew off to win by a length while covering his last 400 meters in a blistering 22.35 seconds.
Carrying 124 pounds off that win, Tony Cruz kept him in class 2 at 1,200 meters and did not look the gift horse in the mouth. Even though it was the easiest of wins, he showed more gears in this effort as Zac Purton used him to make the lead, got him to switch off, went to the whip in the homestretch, then eased him up nearing the wire. His final time of 1:08.34 seconds was his fastest yet.
Now, he will try to negotiate another 400 meters down the long backstretch at Sha Tin. But it is his blazing speed that gives me confidence that he will be able to do it. The Classic Mile has big implications for the field. The purse of HK$12,000,000 is five times more than any of them have raced for. Knowing what California Spangle brings to the table, I'm not sure how many will wish to sacrifice their chances by engaging in a pace duel.
When I watch the replays of California Spangle's races, I see a fast horse. I do not see a headstrong horse. Once he gets away from the starting gate, it is his cruising speed that dominates. One-turn middle-distance races are often dominated by the horse with the best cruising speed. Run at level weights carrying 126 pounds, the Classic Mile should be right up his alley.
California Spangle's pedigree is another reason to think he can get the distance. Starspangledbanner was a group-one stakes winner in Australia going 5 ½ furlongs but upset the Caulfield Guineas (G1) at 12-1 going a mile over So You Think and Denman.
Brought to Europe and switched to Aidan O'Brien, he beat 23 others in the Golden Jubilee Stakes (G1) then came back to win the July Cup (G1); both at six furlongs. After his first stud career failed to get enough mares in foal, he came back two years later but could only finish second in a group three sprint at the Curragh.
Yes, he mostly sires sprinters but California Spangle's dam is by High Chaparral who won the 1 ½-mile Epsom Derby (G1), Irish Derby (G1) and back-to-back runnings of the Breeders' Cup Turf (G1). He has sired numerous group stakes winners going long including a winner of the two-mile Melbourne Cup (G1).
So California Spangle has the genetic ability to get the distance of the Classic Mile. And he is trained by Tony Cruz who has masterfully prepped him for the 1600 meters with four, 1200 meter races in around 100 days. If he can't win the Hong Kong Classic Mile, it won't be from not being fit enough.
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