Hugh Bowman Unseats Purton from California Spangle

Meanwhile, trainer Tony Cruz has announced Hugh Bowman will ride California Spangle (Starspangledbanner-Pearlitas Passion, by High Chaparral) in next month's Gr2 Sha Tin Trophy, reports scmp.com. "Zac's picking and choosing his rides. He's wanting to see how Beauty Eternal goes first before he decides, but we've got to confirm a jockey. We want someone who'll stay with the horse," Cruz said. Purton partnered California Spangle in all eight of his starts last season, with their four victories for the campaign including success in the Gr1 Hong Kong Mile. California Spangle has won ten of his fourteen starts and was third last start in the Gr1 Champions Mile last autumn. Bowman has been a revelation in Hong Kong of late, and has had a particularly strong start to the season which sees him leading on 9 wins over reigning champion Zac Purton who is on 6 wins.