Trainer David Hayes welcomes a rain-affected Randwick track for Ka Ying Rising’s Tuesday trial to dispel doubts about the world’s highest-rated galloper handling wet conditions ahead of the Group One The Everest. Heavy rain lashed Sydney on Saturday, and while forecasts point to clearing weather, the 1,000m trial serves as a crucial hit-out for the October 17 defence of the 1,200m crown, scmp.com reported.
David Hayes Addresses Wet Track Doubts For Ka Ying Rising
Jockey Zac Purton flagged a heavy Randwick surface as a potential obstacle for The Everest day. Hayes rejects those concerns outright.
The trainer noted that when the horse trialled on provincial ground before his sale, the wet surface was the only negative. Hayes recalled watching the nine-time Group One winner record fast times on rain-affected tracks with surface water. “I always mentally took a note of that knowing that he’ll handle the wet – I’m sure he will.”
Tuesday Trial Serves As Dress Rehearsal At Randwick
Tuesday’s seven-horse trial is scheduled for 6am Hong Kong time and will be broadcast on the Jockey Club’s online platforms. Ka Ying Rising enters the hit-out without having seen another horse for five weeks.
“He’ll have a nice trial,” Hayes said. “Of course you’re not going to bottom him 10 days out from the race.” Last year, pre-trial antics sparked social media rumours that the winner of 21 straight Hong Kong races was in doubt for The Everest before he finished third. Hayes reports the sprinter is currently 30lb heavier than last year with superior quarantine markers.
Tempted Emerges As Primary Everest Rival After Win
Ciaron Maher’s stable star Tempted firmed from $8 to $6 in overseas markets following a three-length victory in the Group Two Premiere Stakes at Randwick on Saturday. The win marked her fifth victory since finishing second to Ka Ying Rising 12 months ago.
“Visually you couldn’t see a better win – she looked great,” Hayes said. “But then I looked at the field and not one of those horses is in The Everest.” Maher remains confident about challenging the favourite, stating, “She’s very good, but I did look at Ka Ying when I was in quarantine on Friday at Canterbury and it’s an absolute machine.” Ka Ying Rising remains a $1.3 favourite for the world’s richest turf race.
Did You Know About Ka Ying Rising’s Ratings?
When Ka Ying Rising arrived in Australia last year, he ranked as the highest-rated sprinter in the world but fourth overall. scmp.com notes that he now stands clear as the world’s highest-rated horse.
Questions About The Randwick Trial And The Everest
Where can viewers watch Ka Ying Rising’s Tuesday trial?
The 1,000m hit-out is scheduled for 6am Hong Kong time and will be broadcast on the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s online platforms, according to scmp.com.
How did Tempted secure her spot in betting markets?
Tempted firmed from $8 to $6 after recording her fifth win by three lengths in the Group Two Premiere Stakes (1,200m) at Randwick on Saturday.
What weight advantage or change does Ka Ying Rising carry this season?
David Hayes stated that the nine-time Group One winner enters this year’s preparation weighing 30 pounds heavier than he did at the same point last year.