A Cruz for Cardenas

RICHARD Azan's PEKING CRUZ has paid a heavy price for being the only winner of an open allowance event in this afternoon's seventh race, picking up 11lb for a length and three quarter victory over SARAH LEE on last, a 17lb-weight swing in the filly's favour for a rematch on the round course.

SARAH LEE is not the only major recipient of weight from PEKING CRUZ, who hunts a hat-trick of wins after beating four of his five rivals over the straight course on September 15.

WONG DON, who carried topweight 126lb over the straight, got an early visit from Santa Claus and comes in at bottom weight, 50.0 kilos, shedding 16lb for a seven-length loss to PEKING CRUZ, who he had allowed 11lb, a terrific weight swing of 27lb.

Though PEKING CRUZ has improved by leaps and bounds and is still within a distance at which he can use his speed and class to dominate the pace from in front or just off the lead, the predetermined conditions of the event is totally wrong in principle and cannot be vindicated even with a victory for Azan's runner.

A talented gelding, PEKING CRUZ hit top form after being fitted with a tongue tie on July 21, winning three races on the trot, including over this afternoon's trip, clocking 1:05.4 on August 18,

Even though the conditions have forced him to give weight to his five rivals, from a low of seven pounds to a high of 16, the speedster is on the verge of making a hurried transition to grade one, thrown to the lions after only 10 races with an expected victory this afternoon.

Having dismissed the likes of ANOTHER VIGOROUS at five furlongs straight, before blowing away overnight allowance in 1:05.4, and winning on his open allowance debut in 58.0 at five furlongs straight, PEKING CRUZ has been provided with a replay, having beaten - SARAH LEE, WONG DON, BIMINI, and DISABILITY CHARM last time out.

WITHOUT EXCEPTION is the exception but was six lengths down the track behind PEKING CRUZ at six furlongs, the race before she started her hat-trick run, outclassed by American-bred HILLY'S HALO, possibly the second-best horse in training now.

New to the class after a battling win against ZEPHYR at six furlongs on Wednesday, WITHOUT EXCEPTION returns quickly in hunt of a another payday but will encounter quicker splits, which will have Omar Walker pushing far too earlier than he would have liked.

Dick Cardenas is good at saving his mounts for last-furlong rallies, plus he is at his best on or just about off the lead, making him the perfect choice to nurse home PEKING CRUZ from what should be a cavalry charge of lighter horses.