On the eve of a pivotal track gallop and less than a week out from The Everest, betting turmoil on Sunday afternoon saw dominant favourite Ka Ying Rising drift sharply in the market, prompting several Australian bookmakers to briefly suspend wagering amid rampant social media speculation.
The Hong Kong speedster, long-time pre-post leader, eased from as short as $1.50 to as much as $2.60 on Betfair, the world’s largest betting exchange. The move spooked punters and fuelled rumours that something was amiss, including claims he hadn’t eaten for days and could be withdrawn.
Trainer David Hayes, speaking from Sydney where Ka Ying Rising remains in quarantine, was unfased when contacted. “Yeah, he is brilliant … absolutely fine and he will work in the morning,” Hayes told Idol Horse.
The five-year-old is slated to stretch out on Canterbury’s course proper on Monday—an important hit-out to shape his final lead-in to Saturday’s A$20 million feature. “He hasn’t missed a day of work, he’s tightened up just like we wanted him to after that trial and I’m thrilled with how he’s progressed. It’s all systems go.” Hayes said.
Despite the alarming betting swing, the Hall of Fame trainer maintains his star Ka Ying Rising is “Flying” ahead of The Everest.
