Craig Kerry
The world’s highest-rated racehorse, Ka Ying Rising, was better than last year, but still not near his best, when he was beaten again in a trial on the eve of the Everest (1200m).
To the estimated 1500 people, including three who were wearing suits matching the defending champion’s colours, who came to Royal Randwick to catch a glimpse of the Hong Kong superstar on Tuesday, it mattered little.
To trainer David Hayes, it was also “not quite relevant”.
And the market agreed. Ka Ying Rising remained a $1.30 TAB favourite for the $20 million race on October 17 despite finishing a long head second to Michael Freedman-trained Everest runner Ninja in a 1000m trial on the course proper. Ninja was into $21 from $26.
Ka Ying Rising, which has broken the Sha Tin 1200m track record four times since winning the Everest last year and is chasing a 22nd consecutive victory, jumped well from the outside gate to lead in the seven-horse trial under Zac Purton.
On a soft 7 surface, the field avoided the inside half of the track. Ninja and Ka Ying Rising galloped alongside each other down the straight before the former edged ahead late. Neither was asked for a major effort.
Last year, Ka Ying Rising finished third to miler Linebacker and Overpass on a good 4 track in the Everest dress rehearsal. The underwhelming trial, and social media posts under a fake account, sparked speculation the champion sprinter was not fit and might miss the race, which pushed out his Everest quote. Eleven days later, he beat Tempted by a length and a quarter in the world’s richest race on turf.
Hayes and Purton, both Australian Racing Hall of Fame members, said there was improvement to come out of Tuesday’s trial, which the trainer rated an “eight of 10” performance.
“The tempo of the trial today was about five seconds slower than race time, so not quite relevant,” Hayes said.
“But Ninja trialled really well. His was a good trial, but we weren’t at race time.
“Zac was ambling into the straight. He won’t be doing that in a race. He’ll be letting rip.
“[It was] better than last year, but I have seen him trial better. But I think the way the track was, the longer grass, and soft, wasn’t in his favour. And he didn’t change legs today.
“That’s always a bit of an indicator that he’s going pretty easy. When Zac puts him under a bit of pressure, he changes legs and he finds a lot, so it’s a pass mark, but not exciting.”
The trial was secondary for many who made the trip to see the champion, and snag a free egg and bacon roll and coffee provided by the Australian Turf Club. Punters filmed the $30 million-earner’s every move, Purton gave away five signed Ka Ying Rising jackets and fans grabbed autographs and photos with Hayes and the star jockey.
There were more people at Randwick to see one horse trial than there will be on Wednesday for the midweek race meeting. Among them were Luke Klein, Max Uz and Luke Collinson, who drove from Wollongong that morning and got their matching suits signed by Hayes and Purton.
Hayes was pleased with Ka Ying Rising’s manners, after “he went off his head” last year in the tie-up stalls before the trial. On Tuesday, the six-year-old gelding was calmer in the build-up and Purton said he was a more relaxed horse this time around.
“It’s a better trial this year than what it was last year, but he certainly pulled up having a really big blow,” Purton said.
“He blew more in that trial than he did after his first up win this season, so I think that tells us that he should come on.”
Brad Widdup-trained Savvy Hallie joined the Everest field on Monday, taking Mulbery Racing’s slot, while Tempted was locked in for Godolphin on Tuesday. Blue Door, Headwall and Spicy Martini are others confirmed.
Purton hoped for a dry track come race day.
“I’d prefer it to be on top of the ground,” he said.
“I think he really likes it when he’s on a hard, fast deck. As we’ve seen in the trial this morning, and in the trial last year as well. He just seems to labour that little bit in the softer ground, so hopefully the sun comes out and stays out.”
Hayes said Godolphin mare Tempted ($6), which was runner-up in the Everest last year and has been unbeaten since, was the main threat.
“I think if the conditions are like today, she’s definitely the main rival,” he said.
Hayes said Ka Ying Rising will have “a strong hit out, probably on Monday, and then we’ll just taper into the race”.
Connections of front-running sensation Pride Of Jenni added to Everest day excitement with an announcement on Tuesday that she will take on Autumn Glow and Ceolwulf in the $5 million King Charles III Stakes.
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