David Hayes will focus on behaviour as well as performance when Ka Ying Rising contests a barrier trial at Randwick Racecourse in Sydney, Australia, on Tuesday 6 October.
The trial comes as the world’s highest-rated horse prepares to defend his AU$20 million (approx. HK$108.9m/£10.6m) G1 The Everest title on 17 October.
Big rivals await
Hayes expects Ka Ying Rising to handle the trial much better than last year.
His behaviour before last year’s trial concerned both Hayes and jockey Zac Purton. However, the superstar gelding went on to beat Australia’s best sprinters.
He became the first overseas horse to win the world’s richest turf race.
“He has substantially settled in a lot better than last year and he’s improved since last year, which is reflected in the fact that he’s now a higher-rated horse,” Hayes said.
Ka Ying Rising finished third behind Overpass and Linebacker in last season’s 1000m barrier trial.
This time, he will face five horses entered for either G1 The Everest or the G1 King Charles III Stakes.
Both races will take place on 17 October.
Ka Ying Rising will trial against three potential Everest rivals on Tuesday. They are Joliestar, Angel Capital and Ninja.
Amazing Journey and Apocalyptic could instead target the King Charles III Stakes.
Demeanour is key
Having guided Ka Ying Rising to a Hong Kong–record 21 consecutive wins and an international rating of 135, Hayes will pay close attention on Tuesday to the champion sprinter’s demeanour.
“I want to see him trial like he does in Hong Kong. He doesn’t have to win, but he probably will,” Hayes added.
“I want him to stretch his legs, have a look at Randwick and get used to the surroundings.
“I want him to get used to being at the racecourse Australian-style – not Hong Kong.
“It’s just basically a dress rehearsal and I can’t imagine him not trialling very, very well.”
Ka Ying Rising is stabled at Canterbury Racecourse, which is approximately 13.5 kilometres from Randwick.
Nine-time Hong Kong champion jockey Purton will partner Ka Ying Rising in Tuesday’s trial, which is scheduled for 9am UK time (6am Hong Kong time).
The barrier trial will be broadcast live on the club’s online platforms.
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