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).
