Cruz hails apprentice as Floral Pegasus graduates to Class One company
Tony Cruz unveiled his third December strike weapon, to join the elite ranks of Bullish Luck and Silent Witness, when progressive four-year-old Floral Pegasus stylishly fulfilled his prophecy, graduating to Class One company in the Agate Handicap.
Cruz, who was six-times champion jockey during his glory days in the saddle, also affirmed his commitment to boosting the careers of the apprentice jockeys after a perfect display from 23-year-old claimer Jacky Tong Chi-kit on the winner.
Floral Pegasus, a handsome chestnut colt by the 2000 Kentucky Derby hero Fusaichi Pegasus, enjoyed the run of the race in third place before challenging at the 300 metres and setting up a winning break.
Tong resisted the temptation to go for the whip but kept Floral Pegasus going by some cross reining and changes of his hands - just as Cruz has taught him - and the late rush of runner-up Firm Offer came much too late to be of concern.
'I've always had a good opinion of this horse, and from his earliest races I always believed he would make a Class One horse,' Cruz said.
'Today, Jacky has handled him very well and it just goes to show what these apprentices can do when given the opportunity. The most important thing is that they ride the horses the way I want them ridden. If they'll do that, especially given their weight allowances, they can beat the more experienced senior jockeys.'