Seven Countries Dash for the Cash in Al Quoz Sprint -

You have to go back to 2014 for the last Hong Kong-trained winner of the G1 Al Quoz Sprint [Sponsored by AZIZI Developments.]

Back then, Amber Sky’s victory was over 1000metres, but trainer Tony Cruz is pleased it’s now run at 1200metres – the distance he feels is best for his star, California Spangle.

The six-year-old gelding is probably best known for being the only horse to beat Hong Kong superstar Golden Sixty in the past two years. That win came at a mile and his most recent victory, in the G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup, was at 1400metres.

“I believe this horse is a sprinter-miler, I believe he can run the 1200metres,” said Cruz. “We’ve been lucky at a mile many times, because that’s where the big races are in Hong Kong, but I think with a strong pace he can do the 1200metres here.

“He broke the record over 1000metres and 1200metres in Hong Kong as a Griffin [first season horse] in Hong Kong.”

California Spangle will be ridden by Australian jockey Brenton Avdulla, and their rivals in the $1.5million turf race include defending champion Danyah. Musabbeh Al Mheiri’s seven-year-old is aiming to be the first horse to win this race twice since its inclusion on the Dubai World Cup card in 2010.

“This has been the aim all season and we have brought him on slowly with this in mind,” Al Mheiri said. “He surprised everyone last season and I think he has a good chance of repeating last year’s success.”

Horses trained in seven different countries clash in the Al Quoz, including a strong British contingent. Among them is Frost At Dawn, who broke the track record over 1000metres in the Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint last time out, beating the reopposing Star Of Mystery.

Frost At Dawn is trained by Newmarket-based William Knight, who said: “To go into a Group 1 with a real chance is quite exciting. Her win on Super Saturday was no fluke and that she broke the track record gives me a bit of confidence. Mickael [Barzalona] is going to ride her, which is great, as they obviously get on well.”

Of Star Of Mystery, trainer Charlie Appleby said: “the fillies’ weight allowance they get is a big help, but I will say that she has been beating what she has been beating here. This is a step up.

Of the jockey booking, with Frankie Dettori riding at a light weight of 53 kilos, he added: “He’s been doing light in America, so he’s able to do it. We’re delighted to have him on board.”

Another British raider is Diligent Harry, trained by multiple G1-winning handler Clive Cox.

“Diligent Harry has been an absolute joy to be involved with,” he told GBRI. “We signed off last year and he had a really nice winter break. He’s really thrived throughout the early part of the year. I’m very pleased that he is in excellent condition and a really good frame of mind.”

Group 1 winners Casa Creed, King Gold and Czech speedster Ponntos also make the line-up, while Sight Success is another representing Hong Kong.

The Al Quoz Sprint is scheduled as race four of nine, with a post time of 5:15pm UAE.