Cruz on 'Auto' pilot for easy win
TONY Cruz has done a lot of talking going into the new season, voicing the concern of the local riders over what they feel is the raw deal they get compared to expatriate riders.
Yesterday the talking stopped and the action started and Cruz was bang in the thick of it from the word ''go''.
But he did not have to exert himself to bring home Lam Hung-fie's Auto Focus, an exceptionally easy winner from the Ivan Allan-trained Captive Trick in the day's second event.
Auto Focus had been working with much more zest going into yesterday's Class Six contest, by far the weakest event he has ever competed in.
Cruz was taking no chances, though, bouncing his six-year-old mount out of stall four and straight into a quick gallop.
He was chased by Captive Trick on whom Allan's 10-pound claimer Peter Wong did well to get quickly into his stride.
But when Cruz let out the rein a touch, Auto Focus opened up a decisive break. He had 31/2 lengths to spare over Captive Trick and could probably have won by more.
Bruce Hutchison's The Czar stayed on with some hope for the future for third.
He has always looked a fair type but was troubled with leg problems last season. This run indicated they could be behind him.
