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Tony Cruz, who recently won the Gr.1 Al Quoz Sprint in Dubai, is now considering a potential Japanese raid with his record-breaking horse, California Spangle.
Cruz is eyeing a bid to win the Gr.1 Sprinters Stakes at Nakayama racecourse, a race that he has already won in the past. Cruz believes that California Spangle has what it takes to emulate the success of Silent Witness, who won the same race in 2005.
Although Cruz was considering a trip to Royal Ascot after California Spangle's win in Meydan, he is now more inclined to return to the scene of his previous triumph.
“I had [Royal Ascot] in mind but I’d say it’s doubtful to be honest,” Cruz said. “I’ll talk to the owners, but the Sprinters Stakes in Japan is really tempting.
“In England there isn’t too much prize money, but in Japan there is good money and it’s almost a package deal – I like that.
“It was my 12th attempt in Dubai so it was about time I pulled something off. He’s an out-and-out sprinter now. He likes fast tracks and if you let him run, he can make these record times.”
California Spangle set a new 1,200m track record at Meydan and is now aiming for next month's Gr.1 Chairman's Sprint Prize.
As for Straight Arron, a potential entry in the Gr.1 QE II Cup looms after a respectable sixth-place finish in the Gr.1 Dubai Turf. Meanwhile, Ricky Yiu Poon-fai is still deliberating Voyage Bubble's next move following an unlucky 13th in the same event.
“It was exciting, he’s run a bottler against the best – we’re very proud,” Fownes said of Straight Arron. “I thought we had a live chance at the 300m. He was coming strong.
“He’s entered for the QE II, but when he goes back he’ll work out of quarantine and if he pulls up well, of course we’ll push on.”
Trainer Jerome Reynier hinted that his 5YO, Straight Arron, might travel to Hong Kong for a potential rematch with Facteur Cheval, the winner of the Dubai Turf.
“It depends how he recovers but he can stay here and take it easy. He’s adapted very well here and seems very happy, so maybe we could try Hong Kong next for the QE II Cup at the end of April,” said the French trainer.
Facteur Cheval finally secured a Group One victory after a series of close misses, narrowly defeating Japanese contender Namur who finished third in the Hong Kong Mile last December.
In the past, the French trainer has sent two horses, Skalleti and Royal Julius, to compete at the international meeting in 2020.