Ka Ying Rising is the joint-third highest-rated sprinter since Timeform records began more than 75 years ago.
The sprint star will return on the opening day of the new Hong Kong season. He will run in the Group 3 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup (Handicap) at Sha Tin on Sunday.
Ka Ying Rising won the same race last year. David Hayes’ star carried the top weight of 9st 9lb. He gave Group 1 winner Lucky Sweynesse 9lb in the handicap.
Ka Ying Rising barely needed to increase his effort. He cruised to a two-and-a-quarter-length victory.
A remarkable winning run
Timeform ranked that performance among Ka Ying Rising’s best efforts.
The six-year-old then produced an outstanding run of form. He won all seven of his next starts last season.
His victories included The Everest in Australia. He also added four more Group 1 wins to his record.
The son of Shamexpress then claimed his 20th straight win in the Group 1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize in April.
Ka Ying Rising produced another effortless victory in that race. Timeform awarded him a rating of 137.
That figure moved him above Australian sprinting great Black Caviar. She holds a Timeform rating of 136.
Ka Ying Rising among the greats
Ka Ying Rising now sits in a rare position among the sport’s greatest sprinters.
His rating of 137 places him joint-third on Timeform’s all-time list. Dayjur, Moorestyle, Princely Gift and Right Boy also share that position.
Ka Ying Rising could climb even higher this season. Another increase in his rating would make him the highest-rated sprinter since 1955.
Only two great sprinters from the 1950s sit above him. Pappa Fourway has a rating of 139. Abernant leads the list with 142.
Timeform expert expects another strong season
Timeform’s Kieran Clark believes Ka Ying Rising remains in elite company.
“Ka Ying Rising is already in rarified air when it comes to sprinters. He must concede 20 lb to five far inferior rivals this weekend, so even at the weights it should be a straightforward task.
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