Ka Ying Rising has key hit out ahead of The Everest 2025

David Hayes remains upbeat about Ka Ying Rising’s The Everest prospects despite divided opinions on the Hong Kong champion’s first Australian trial at Randwick.

In a stacked 1000m heat on Tuesday, Ka Ying Rising finished third behind Linebacker and Overpass, with champion jockey Zac Purton flying in from Hong Kong to take the reins. The trio clocked 58.39 seconds, finishing well clear of Joliestar, Angel Capital, Mr Brightside and Fangirl.

Hayes said the trial served its purpose perfectly after a month between runs, giving the four-time Group 1 winner a much-needed blowout before his Australian debut.

“It was a good, solid trial but he did need it,” Hayes said. “He had a really good hit out and probably went a bit easier than the others. I promise he’ll be twenty pounds lighter next week. He’s blown the cobwebs out and he’ll really come on for it. He’ll have a gallop Monday and be ready for the big one.”

Purton described the trial as a “pass mark” and expects significant improvement when the $20 million The Everest rolls around.

“He was feeling the moment and carrying a bit more weight than his race condition,” Purton said. “The track was softer than he’s used to, but he got through it okay. It’s a pass mark — and I think he’ll improve sharply by race day.”

Ranked the world’s best sprinter, Ka Ying Rising will start a short-priced $1.50 favourite in the Group 1 feature at Randwick on October 18. Hayes, who previously trained in Australia under the Lindsay Park banner, said it felt surreal to return home with a horse of such global stature.

“It’s a bit different coming home,” he said. “In Hong Kong you’ve got a small pool of horses, so you don’t often find a superstar. You might only get ten or twelve new horses a year — and for him to turn up, I really didn’t expect that.”

The Everest field is almost set, with ten of twelve slots now confirmed. Yulong Investments are searching for a replacement for Private Harry after his injury, while Godolphin are tipped to choose between Tempted and Beiwacht for their position.

Punters can view updated odds and markets for The Everest through Australia’s trusted betting sites.