Tony Cruz is optimistic a “better and stronger” Californiatotality can make a big impact on his seasonal return in Wednesday night’s Class Two Shek O Handicap (1,650m) at Happy Valley.

A shining light of Cruz’s stable last term, the son of Zoustar proved his toughness with four wins and a pair of placings while earning a crack at the final two legs of the Classic Series.

Though he could only manage eighth in the Classic Cup (1,800m) and 11th in the Hong Kong Derby (2,000m), Californiatotality was far from disgraced when beaten just under four lengths in both features.

He had excuses in his final two starts of the campaign, having pulled up lame after racing wide throughout on his dirt debut before running seventh to stablemate Beauty Joy in the Group Three Premier Plate (1,800m).

Cruz is thrilled with the five-year-old as he bids to make a winning return at the city circuit.

“He’s going well and I’m very happy with him,” the master trainer said.

“He’s a course-and-distance winner and he’s got a good alley [barrier two]. I think he’s got a chance there.

“Condition-wise, he’s improved. He looks better than last season. I think he’ll be a better and stronger horse this season. He’s really at his best over a mile and 1,800m.”

Alexis Badel, who is fresh from a Sha Tin treble on Sunday, will again ride Californiatotality when he carries top weight of 133lb.

The strongest race on the midweek fixture also features last year’s DBS x Manulife Million Challenge winner Soleil Fighter, prolific Valley winner Jumbo Legend, the consistent Steps Ahead and Voyage Samurai.

Cruz’s stayer La City Blanche will also resume in the Shek O Handicap.

“He likes Happy Valley,” Cruz said of the seven-year-old, who has notched a win and two placings at the city circuit.

“The 1,650m is too short for him – 1,800m to 2,200m would be perfect for him, but he’ll be flashing home very strong.”

Angus Chung Yik-lai will ride La City Blanche, who has drawn the outside gate in the field of 12.

Cruz will look to add to his two winners from the first three meetings of the term when he also runs Kingly Demeanor, Atomic Beauty, Multidutch and Superb Capitalist at the Valley.