His Everest slot was confirmed some time ago, and that decision has been franked with Briasa ($2.25F) taking out a key lead-up in the $1 million Group 2 Premiere Stakes.
Conditioned by the Hawkes training partnership, the son of Smart Missile let down with a withering burst to hold out rival Everest contender Jimmysstar ($2.90) by a half length, with Mazu ($19) no match in third a further three lengths away. It was another disappointing performance from former boom horse Private Harry who weakened into fifth, 4 1/2 lengths off the winner.
Steered by usual rider Tyler Schiller, the five-year-old displayed a blistering turn of foot and looks ready for the $20 million feature in a fortnight’s time.
“To give Tyler credit, he just flowed and he’s actually a joy to watch,” co-trainer Michael Hawkes said.
“The part I loved the most was when he stalked and he just kept him in a rhythm.
“He’s just got so much raw talent, he doesn’t know how good he is really.
“Tyler and I had discussions just before he got on the horse and I said just get him to the top of the rise and let him get down and then let him explode, if the race pans out that way.”
Hong Kong superstar Ka Ying Rising has been all the talk since landing on our shores in preparation for the Everest, but Hawkes knows all too well how difficult it is to race on foreign ground.
“It’s not a one-horse race, it never has been,” Hawkes said.
“We’ve been lucky enough to have another grey horse (Chautauqua) we’ve travelled, and I know how hard it can be.
“So for Ka Ying Rising everything needs to go right, he’s in our backyard now.”
For Schiller, he believes his mount hasn’t yet reached his limit.
“I think he just keeps learning that little bit more, he’s come back a lot more relaxed than last prep,” Schiller said.
“But I still think there’s more improvement, which is scary.”
Briasa currently sits on the third line of betting for the Everest at $11 with Ka Ying Rising at the prohibitive quote of $1.60.
