HONG KONG - A late inclusion to the Hong Kong Mile field could upset champion New Zealand mare Sunline, Hong Kong-based Australian trainer David Hayes said.
Charming City gained a start in Sunday's $HK10 million ($3.09 million) event when the New South Wales-trained Mr Innocent was withdrawn yesterday because of a muscle problem.
Hayes was buoyed by the chances of Charming City when he drew barrier 2.
"My horse can fire up a bit and I wanted him to get cover," said Hayes, who expects Sunline to lead.
Charming City is an Australian-bred four-year-old gelding by Chief's Crown and has a record of six wins and five seconds from 14 starts in Hong Kong.
Hayes, who has been in Hong Kong for a few years, said Charming City would not be out of place against the best horses in Australia.
"Don't underrate him. He'll be in 40s on your tote because Sunline and Testa Rossa will take all the money."
Hayes, however, rates the former New Zealand horse Helene Vitality as his best chance of winning one of the four international races run on Sunday.
Helene Vitality was previously named Hades and won last year's New Zealand Derby (2400m) at Ellerslie when trained at Matamata by Roger James. Helene Vitality was subsequently sold to a client of Hayes in Hong Kong.
- NZPA
Racing: Late-comer may worry NZ champ
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