Hayes Confident Ka Ying Rising Will Improve for Everest

Hong Kong superstar Ka Ying Rising had his first official Australian trial less than two weeks out from the Oct. 18 The Everest, and trainer David Hayes is confident the world’s top-rated sprinter will be ready for his AU$20 million target.

In a star-studded 1,000-meter (about five-furlong) heat at Randwick Oct. 7, the gelding finished third under regular rider Zac Purton, beaten a head by Randwick Guineas (G1) winner Linebacker, with Overpass splitting the pair. The trio cleared out from the rest, stopping the clock at a sharp :58.39 with the final 600 meters run in :33.67. 

King Charles III Stakes (G1) contenders Mr Brightside and Fangirl filled the next two placings, while Everest-bound pair Joliestar and Angel Capital were among those further back after pulling early. 

Ka Ying Rising, unbeaten in his past 13 starts and the current AU$1.50 Everest favourite, was not pushed by Purton, instead using the trial as a tune-up after a month between runs. 

“It was a good, solid trial, but he did need it,” Hayes said. “He had a really good, hard hit out, he probably went a bit easier than the ones behind him. I promise he’ll be 20 pounds lighter next week. He blew a few cobwebs out, and he’ll really come on a lot for that, and he’ll have a nice gallop on Monday (Oct. 13) and he’ll be right for the big one.” 

Purton added: “He was certainly feeling the moment a little bit and then carrying the extra condition, compared to his racing weight, on the softer ground, he felt obviously it a little bit. “The ground was a bit softer than what he’s used to. I thought he got through it okay, it’s a pass mark, but I think he needs to be better on race day. That’s the challenge we wanted to take and we look forward to it.” 

Rated the world’s premier sprinter this year with an international mark of 126, Ka Ying Rising has won 14 of 16 starts in Hong Kong.

“It’s a bit different coming home, in Hong Kong you have a small pool of horses, so you’re less likely to get a superstar. You only get ten, twelve new horses, and for him to turn up, I really didn’t expect that,” Hayes said. 

Eleven of the 12 Everest slots have been filled, with Yulong Investments searching for a replacement for Private Harry.