2025 The Everest favourite Ka ying Rising stretches legs at Canterbury

Ka Ying Rising, Hong Kong’s sprint sensation, has touched down in Sydney for the $20 million The Everest (1200m), with trainer David Hayes buoyant about his preparation despite a minor weight loss on travel.

Speaking from Hong Kong, Hayes said the gelding had adapted quickly after settling into Canterbury on Thursday morning.

“He’s in great order. He’s got some new shoes on, he’s settled in and he’s enjoying having a pick of the grass outside his stable,” Hayes said.

“He did lose twenty-two pounds – if the scales are correct and they’re calibrated the same because the Hong Kong scales may be different.

“But the most important thing is he’s eating his feed, he’s drinking and there’s a consistent weight in Australia. I’m not concerned about his weight. He is carrying terrific condition.”

A winner of 14 from 16, including his last 13 starts, Ka Ying Rising sits as the short-priced favourite for the Everest at Randwick on October 18.

Hayes will travel to Sydney to oversee a crucial barrier trial on October 7.

“He’s working on his own all the time in quarantine and that will be a bit of competitive company to trial against,” Hayes said.

“He won’t be out to break records but we will certainly let him increase the last 200 metres in the trial to stretch his legs out. That’s a very important day for him.”

While monitoring rivals like Joliestar, who impressed in The Shorts (1100m), and Lady Shenandoah, who had no luck in the Concorde Stakes (1000m), Hayes maintains Ka Ying Rising remains the one to beat.

“It’s not going to be a walk in the park but I’d say if his ratings are any guide, they all need to probably improve on their current ratings to beat him,” he said.

And Hayes has already flagged the possibility of returning next year should the Everest trip prove fruitful.

“With that huge quarantine that he’s going through, probably if it worked I’d repeat next year and put him on a similar path,” he said.

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