David Hayes believes Ka Ying Rising has returned to Sydney in better condition than 12 months ago as the champion sprinter builds towards his defence of the $20 million The Everest.
Ka Ying Rising arrived in Sydney on Monday before having his first look around Canterbury on Tuesday, with Hayes pleased with how the gelding handled the journey from Hong Kong.
Hayes reported normal vital signs and a strong appetite, while describing the trip as smoother than the one Ka Ying Rising experienced ahead of his successful 2025 campaign.
The gelding lost 5kg during the journey but had departed Hong Kong 7kg heavier than for any of his previous overseas trips.
Hayes was also satisfied with the benefit Ka Ying Rising took from his final Hong Kong appearance, where he produced a course-record 1:06.10 performance over 1200m at Sha Tin.
That run provided the stronger lead-up race Hayes had wanted after Ka Ying Rising’s fitness became a talking point during last year’s Everest preparation.
The sprinter was beaten in a Randwick barrier trial just 10 days before the 2025 Everest, but Hayes has deliberately given him a more demanding preparation this time around.
Hayes now believes Ka Ying Rising is at least 10 per cent better than he was at the corresponding stage last year.
He is yet to identify a rival that causes him significant concern, although Hayes nominated Godolphin mare Tempted and Joliestar as the two horses he respects most among the potential opposition.
Ka Ying Rising is the dominant $1.35 bookies favourite for The Everest, with Ninja the only other confirmed runner just over three weeks out from the Randwick feature.
The Hong Kong star will have his next serious hit-out in a Randwick barrier trial on October 6.
