Haves backs Zac and Samarkand

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 today.

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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.