CHAMPION trainer David Hayes is planning an end-of-season campaign for exciting Charming City after the three-year-old emphatically lowered the colours of unbeaten Trillion Win in the Chairman's Trophy at Sha Tin yesterday. 'We went eyeball to eyeball with Trillion Win and we've come out on top. This is a really nice young horse and we will see the best of him next year when I think I am going to have about the best sprinter-miler in the place,' said a delighted Hayes, who chalked up a winning treble. The 1,400-metre conditions event saw Trillion Win (9-5 favourite) face his sternest test and it was Charming City (3-1) who rather easily emerged victorious with the Ivan Allan-trained public elect clinging on to third place as Industrialist (7-1) swept past him. 'He is only a three-year-old in Class One and I will not be doing anything with him for some time. I will bring him back for the Sha Tin Trophy towards the end of the season and any more three-year-old races we may have. 'I am delighted with him because I have always thought he was a smart young horse. Wait till next season, then I think we will see the best of him,' enthused Hayes. Hayes also scooped the other big prize on the day when Schubert, whose price was slashed from 12-1 to 7-1, took the Sprint Trial Trophy by an emphatic length and a half from the Alex K.S. Yu-ridden filly, Crystal Charm (5-1) and topweight and favourite Oriental Express (5-2). Schubert showed a blistering late turn of foot and scooted up to complete the treble initiated in the Class Two fourth event over 1,400 metres by the reliable Mughal Palace. Champion jockey Basil Marcus boosted his position with a winning treble, partnering Mughal Palace and Charming City for retaining trainer Hayes and Majestic Stallion (10-1) for Derek Cruz in the Class Five fifth event. 'Charming City was a treat to ride and full marks to David for being patient with the horse. He is good and he will be better. The other two were a great bonus,' said the South African. Trillion Win was given every possible chance by Felix Coetzee, who did not leave empty-handed as he took the final event on the sensationally supported High Spirits (5-2), but met his match in no uncertain fashion. The race was intriguing in that both Charming City and Trillion Win have flown the gates in the past and then easily staved off any late challenges. It had been easier for Trillion Win in his previous efforts. But Charming City was crucially drawn on the inside of Trillion Win and Marcus bounced him away very smartly to hold the early inside advantage which he was ultimately never to relinquish. Claimer Howard Y. T. Cheng was aboard Schubert, who had been switched back to sprinting by Hayes after trying longer trips. The 13-runner field did not really look to have a lot of depth and favourite Oriental Express is now looking again for longer. Crystal Charm ran a solid race but Schubert was absolutely right on the day and won comprehensively. Punters were solidly on target throughout the day with the last three winners all subject to good late support. None more so than High Spirits in the Class Three, 1,800-metre nightcap who was backed in from 9-2 to 5-2 in sustained support. Followers of the Cruz and Coetzee combination clearly filled their boots and were not disappointed. Robin Parke
