David Hayes has taken an early lead in the trainer standings and the former champion can add to his tally in tonight's final race at Sha Tin with Super Molly. The tenacious son of Snippets won five races last term and rose in the handicap from a mark of 49 to his current standing of 95. While he is often remembered for the huge gamble on his first start, when he won after being backed from 18-1 to 8-1 in a matter of seconds, his run in last season's Sha Tin Futurity Trophy was certainly his finest effort to date. On that occasion Super Molly finished a neck fourth behind the promising Jeune King Prawn, with Meridian Star and Monards just ahead of him and with the likes of Good Heavens, Best Light and Red Sun all finishing further back. Considering his allocated handicap on that occasion and his actual rating, it was a superb effort. The key today is that Super Molly meets easier competition under favourable handicap conditions, while Basil Marcus renews his association with Super Molly after winning on him twice last term. He should have every chance of keeping their perfect record intact from a favourable draw. Ignoring Super Molly's efforts at Happy Valley, his only disappointing run of last season came on the final day when he was well beaten by Winning Boy. Super Molly can be forgiven for that effort as he may have been over the top after a long season, though it is hard to deny that Winning Boy has a legitimate chance of beating him again. Winning Boy beat Super Molly by 6.75 lengths when receiving seven pounds, and today he will receive four pounds. His end-of-season form with Tony Millard was highly encouraging, with two wins and three second placings from his final five starts. Millard must be given a lot of credit for rejuvenating Winning Boy, whose form picked up markedly once he had joined the South African's yard. The only slight concern is that he is at his highest mark in the handicap and faces his stiffest competition tonight. It should be an interesting clash and, irrespective of which runner one has a preference for, it still appears to be a quinella worth having. Master Fay is probably one of the most honest and consistent top-liners yet to win a race in Hong Kong. With a string of minor placings, it must just be a matter of time before he salutes the judge. This event looks within his scope, but he has a little to find with Super Molly based on his performance in the Futurity. On that occasion he was receiving two pounds and today he has to give four pounds, which will make it a difficult task. Geoff Lane's Thank Heavens could fill a minor placing as his end-of-season form was quite solid and he is closely matched in the handicap with Handbag Dragon, who will only carry a light weight after Vincent Sit's claim. Of the rest, Brilliant Way has run well when fresh, while Ovation looks high enough in the handicap now. Championship is more than capable on his day but has proved more than a shade unreliable. The seventh event is the second division of the Bonham Divided Handicap and has also attracted a good quality field. Ricky Yiu Poon-fie's Dr More should take all the beating providing his exertions last week have not taken too much out of him. It was a fine effort from the promising son of Danehill, who fought on gamely over a mile after some slick early sectionals. He finished best of those who raced on the pace and the move back to 1,400 metres should be ideal. Francis Lui Kin-wai's Bull's Eye has been catching the eye in his work leading up to his first run for the season and is one to include in the quinella.
