Cambridge-based trainer Trevor Cruz will saddle his first Group One runner on Saturday, when Packing Tycoon lines up in the Haunui Farm WFA Classic at Otaki
"He was a very good horse in Ireland when known as Alexander Pope and in fact placed behind Nathaniel and Fiorente in the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot as a three-year-old.
"He was sold to Hong Kong and trained by my uncle (Tony Cruz) where he didn't acclimatise that well and had a few issues.
"Fortunately, when he was retired from racing in Hong Kong, he was sent to me to train."
Packing Tycoon is raced by Edmond Lee Man-bun, with the Lee family prominent owners in Hong Kong, with horses featuring the prefix Packing in their name.
"His run over 1400m was excellent last time when winning at Te Rapa, and although it is a big step up in class I think he is a quality horse that can progress stepping up to a mile. I think ultimately he will be best suited when racing over 2000 metres, with some give in the ground."
Opie Bosson teamed successfully with Packing Tycoon last start but is unavailable due to suspension, opening the door for Jason Jago to take the mount.
"Jason has trialled the horse twice and knows him very well. Heading into a Group race, I'd rather go with a jockey who knows the horse."
The first-season conditioner has enjoyed a flying start to his career, with two winners and three placegetters from his first five runners.
"Obviously it's been a dream start, and let's hope the momentum can continue," Cruz said.
"I've had much more support from Hong Kong owners as a result of getting off to a good start, but I am yet to really receive any support from local clients at this stage. I think they're still trying to work out what I do and who I am, but hopefully with a bit more time that will come."
Cruz has around ten older horses in work, in addition to 12 two-year-olds, some of which are destined to race in Hong Kong.
"I have recently acquired a treadmill which adds another dimension to training, particularly with some of the older horses that have come from Hong Kong, while it is also good for the two-year-olds that often suffer from shin soreness on the track."
Cruz will also saddle former Hong Kong galloper New Greenfield in the Otaki Hunting & Fishing Handicap (1200m).
"He was originally a Group winner in the UK who was trained by my father (Derek) in Hong Kong. He never acclimatised up there. I don't have huge expectations as I think he is too high in the ratings at the moment, but he is a horse with a bit of speed and is a place-chance."
