Ka Ying Rising readies for The Everest despite minor trial setback

Hong Kong's celebrated galloper, Ka Ying Rising, faced a surprising defeat in a 1000m barrier trial at Royal Randwick this morning, finishing behind Ninja, though trainer and jockey remain unconcerned.

The world's foremost racehorse, Ka Ying Rising, made a swift departure from the gates, establishing an early lead with Ninja in close pursuit.

Throughout the majority of the trial, jockey Purton kept Ka Ying Rising under a measured hold. However, in the straight, he applied more urgency as Ninja drew alongside the champion and edged ahead near the finish line.

Trainer Hayes suggested that the soft 7 track conditions and the length of the grass on the outside of the course proper were contributing factors to Ka Ying Rising's narrow loss.

"I have seen him trial better," the Hall of Fame trainer stated.

"But the way the track was, the longer grass and the soft ground wasn't in his favour.

"I noticed he didn't change legs (in the straight), that's always an indicator he's going pretty easy.

"When Zac puts him under a bit of pressure he changes legs and finds a lot. It's a pass mark today - but not exciting."

Ninja, who is on track for The Everest and was guided by Tommy Berry, managed to get in front of Ka Ying Rising just before the line, securing the trial win in 59.46 seconds.

Other runners declared for The Everest, including Joliestar, Headwall, and Angel Capital, finished further back from the leading pair.

The trial's result had no impact on The Everest betting; TAB Fixed Odds still lists Ka Ying Rising as the commanding $1.30 favourite, with Tempted at $6, Joliestar at $18, Ninja at $21, Headwall at $26, and Angel Capital at $34.

Purton commented that Ka Ying Rising "needed the hit-out" as the champion sprinter had put on too much condition since his arrival at the Canterbury quarantine and training centre two weeks ago.

"He pulled up having a bigger blow than what he did from his race recently," Purton remarked.

"But the softer ground, the time between runs, it gets him back into his routine, gets him familiar with what's going on here and we saw last year how much that helped him on raceday."

Ka Ying Rising also experienced a trial defeat at Randwick last year, finishing third to Overpass, but subsequently proved superior to his competitors in The Everest.

Purton is confident that Ka Ying Rising is an even stronger sprinter now than he was a year ago, but he does desire a firmer track for the prestigious race.

"I'd prefer him to be on top of the ground, he likes it when it's a hard and fast deck," Purton expressed.

"As we've seen in the trial, and the trial last year, he seems to labour in the softer ground. Let's hope the sun comes out and stays out."

Hayes and Purton are in agreement regarding the horse to beat in The Everest, both having been impressed by Godolphin mare Tempted's decisive victory in the Premiere Stakes last Saturday.

"Tempted could not have had a better lead-up race, I think her win was exceptional," Hayes stated.

"You know she will handle the conditions, she loves Randwick, and she's a legitimate danger.

"She hasn't lost since The Everest last year but our horse hasn't lost, either."

Purton also noted the dominance of Tempted's recent win.

"She was brilliant the other day, the turn of foot was incredible," Purton said.

"She's going to be hard to beat. She looks like she has improved, I think we have improved a bit as well.

"It's going to be a strong race, people have been downplaying it and saying there's not much there. But history tells us it's the strongest sprint race on the calendar."

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