Derek Cruz continued his purple patch of form with a race-to-race double at Happy Valley last night, getting the most out of ageing campaigner My Home Town and producing course specialist Flying Colours for another thrilling win at big odds, the sprinter's third success at the city track this term.
Cruz's eight-year-old stable star Joy And Fun was a popular Group One winner on Sunday and the trainer closed last night's meeting with two upset victories, the last to Flying Colours in a Class One (1,000m), giving the horse an outside chance in the 1010 Million Challenge.
'He is just such a genuine horse and I'm so happy for the owners,' said Cruz.
Flying Colours (Tye Angland) moved to third on 49 points in the 1010 Challenge, behind Mr Bond and Happy Yeah Yeah, with three meetings remaining in the series decided on races at Happy Valley.
The Challenge Finale meeting on February 29 features a 110-85 over 1,200m which Cruz (pictured) will aim the horse at.
'He is a big strong horse, so why not?' he said.
The training effort to get another Class Three win from seven-year-old My Home Town was noteworthy, but Cruz said the horse might find a jump in grade tough.