Hayes backs Zac and Samarkand in Hong Kong

Heading the trainers’ championship after a successful start to the season, David Hayes has identified Samarkand as the pick of his seven runners at Happy Valley on Wednesday.

The champion Australian handler has prepared five winners and as many seconds from the first five meetings this term, with last Sunday’s double at Sha Tin propelling him to the top of the premiership standings.

“What I like is that a lot of horses are running in the first four,” Hayes said.

“They’re weighing in all the time and running well. I’m especially pleased with my ‘E’ horses, which are the old boys that have been in the system for four years.

“They’re running really well – the Red Majestys, Harmony N Blessed, those old boys. I think I’ll keep (the good form) going for a while.”

Boasting a strong team of seven at the city circuit, Hayes highlighted Samarkand as a significant improver in the Class Three Central Handicap (1650m) off the back of an encouraging return.

A four-time winner at the Valley last term, Samarkand resumed with a close second to the promising Helene Warrior on 11 September.

Hayes has a strong hand in the Central Handicap with Red Majesty, who also ran a close second first up at the Valley, joining Samarkand.

Hayes also expects big improvement from Sight Happy in the second section of the Class Four North Point Handicap (1200m) after a fair return.

Sent off the $3.9 second elect, the four-year-old settled in the box seat but was no match for all-the-way winner, Scotch Tycoon, when finishing fourth.

“He’ll improve out of sight,” Hayes said.

“I got him a bit wrong, I had him a bit fresh first up. He’s got a good barrier again. I think he can improve as well, he wouldn’t be the roughest.”

“I think Samarkand has probably held his form and has Zac Purton on,” Hayes said.

“Red Majesty’s in terrific form with a light weight. Samarkand’s drawn a bit wide, but Zac seems to work it out pretty well, doesn’t he? Samarkand’s track work has really gone upwards since his first-up run.”

Chasing his first win at start five, Sight Happy jumps from barrier No 1 with Alexis Badel on board.

Sunny Baby is another strong chance for the Hayes-Purton combination in the Class Five Wan Chai Handicap (1800m), coming off a closing second to Go Go Go in the opening race of the season at Sha Tin.

However, Hayes is wary of the seven-year-old’s poor winning strike rate with just three victories from 44 career starts.

“Sunny Baby is hard to catch, but he was good first up and should run a good race,” Hayes said.

Snowalot, Gallant Crown and Allgreektome, who returns from injury in the Class 3 Causeway Bay Handicap (1,000m), are Hayes’ other runners.

“A couple of the old boys have drawn well, so they’ve been running well at the start of the season for me and hopefully we can get another winner or two,” Hayes said.

“I’d be surprised if Allgreektome won. He’s a bit fat and will need the run.”

Hayes was at Conghua on Tuesday morning to watch stable star Ka Ying Rising, a brilliant first-up winner of the Class One HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup (1,200m), work on the turf.

“He’s had two easy weeks and I’ll start building him up again now. He loves it up there in Conghua,” Hayes sa

Samarkand has drawn barrier No 9, while Red Majesty jumps from gate six and carries 118 pounds with Keith Yeung Ming-lun booked to ride.

One of two Class 3 events on the eight-race card, the Central Handicap also features consistent types California Voce, Hameron, Noble Pursuit, Chain Of Gold, Solar Partner, Greenwich and I Can. - South China Morning Post

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Fruity Warrior resuming from a break and trialling well recently, he raced wide early and finished fourth in a strong form race last time out. Sunny Baby let down well to finish a slashing second first-up. With Purton taking the reins, he could go one place better. Joyful Prosperity showed improvement first-up when storming home for third. From an inside draw, he should play a key role. Arthur’s Kingdom last start winner who remains in the same grade, he will give them something to chase if given a soft lead. Right Honourable old-timer who is always capable of surprising if the pace suits.

Race 2: Dan Attack has won in Class 4 before and looks ready to run a big race dropping to Class 5, especially with Purton aboard. Sky Song making his Class 5 debut and could have an edge over his rivals. Beau Gosse still a maiden but well-drawn and gets his chance. Dropping back to a distance where he’s been placed before is another plus. Speedy Chariot finished powerfully last start. If he can use his inside draw to map closer to the speed, he will go close to winning. Woodfire Champ resuming from a break and trialled well recently.

Race 3: Denfield finished powerfully with the fastest sectional time ranking last start. With Bowman retaining the ride, he’s a major player despite the wide draw. Aeroinvincible a proven performer at this level, he should improve second-up. Nebraskan last run was much better than it reads and he should be highly competitive with key rivals drawn wide. Joy Coming can improve second-up from a break. Worth considering if his odds are appealing. Sight Happy Has shown ability and should deliver a solid performance from pole position.

Race 4: Foremost Teddy showed good speed to lead and stuck on well for third off a fast tempo last start. He could be hard to run down with Purton taking the reins. Can’t Go Wong raced in consistent form at the end of last season. His recent trial was quiet, so the betting market is the best guide. Snowalot generally gets back in the running but dashes strongly home, he needs the pace to suit. Turin Warrior resuming from a break and trialled well recently, he looks a chance in this wide-open field. Winning Steps equipped with a strong turn of foot, he could surprise at value under the right race shape.

Race 5: Hameron well weighted with Angus Chung’s 3-pound claim and should run a big race from an inside draw. Noble Pursuit had excuses (blood in trachea) last start and forget the run. He has trialled well for his return and must be respected with Bowman in the saddle. Chain Of Gold last start winner who remains in the same grade, and a double looks likely with an ideal draw. Samarkand showed good improvement first-up, so it’s no surprise to see Purton taking the reins. California Voce handy type resuming from a break and watch for betting support.

Race 6: Matsu Victor produced a nice effort last start when storming home for a brilliant win, despite travelling wide. He looks on song for a double. Super Unicorn has shown ability and gets his chance to win here, especially with Purton jumping on board. Rocket Spade goes well first-up from a break and improvement is expected as he drops to Class 4 for the first time. Sure Joyful turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly. His recent trial suggests that he should run well first-up. Gallant Crown did not disgrace at his last run. From a better draw, he could surprise at value with the apprentice claim.

Race 7: Aurora Lady has been knocking on the door since day one. With Purton on board, he could finally break through here despite the wide draw. Prime Mortar has been highly competitive in Class 4 and can bounce back anytime. Spicy Gold stormed home for a brilliant win despite racing wide last time out. He has to be rated a chance again. New Power winner of last two starts and is aiming for a hat-trick of wins. Mr Valiant caught the eye last start when running home well. The extra distance should work in his favour.

Race 8: Youthful Spirits a dangerous frontrunner, he should have some rating points in hand and could be hard to run down from a good draw. Atomic Force caused a surprise last start when winning at big odds. He generally performs well if they overcook it up front. Healthy Healthy caught wide last start and still ran well. Red Elegance looks a solid good chance based on his last-start effort, keep safe. Allgreektome has tactical speed and is well placed with the apprentice claim. Commands respect.