It's taken a while for the cream to rise to the top of the trainers' table but David Hayes (right) looks all set for a major assault on the title as his big team sharpen up for the second half of the season.
Hayes had several of his big guns in action on the Riverside track yesterday and outstanding three-year-old Triumphant Feeling led the way as he breezed over 800 metres accompanied by Championship.
Stable rider Basil Marcus had the steering job on Triumphant Feeling and he must have been impressed with the great progress the star sprinter has made since an outstanding first-up third behind Best Of The Best and Fairy King Prawn.
The youngster looked a little soft that day and it was a big effort to finish as close as he did. He has absolutely thrived since that outing and it would be a brave man to suggest he cannot turn the tables when he next clashes with that pair.
Championship went every bit as well as his highly credentialled stablemate and he should soon atone for an unlucky third on debut behind Divine Prospect at Happy Valley.
Championship arrived in Hong Kong with a big reputation after some sterling performances over the Brisbane winter carnival and the gelding has flourished in Hayes' yard.