The Everest is still four months away but the mind games have already begun with connections of undefeated colt Private Harry welcoming confirmation Hong Kong star Ka Ying Rising will take his place in the $20 million race.
The Australian Turf Club (ATC) finalised a deal with the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) this week to lease its slot for an initial two-year period, paving the way for the World’s Highest Rated Sprinter to represent the HKJC in the showpiece race.
Ka Ying Rising, who has won 13 of his 15 starts, is a $1.80 favourite for the October 18 feature with Private Harry on the second line of betting at $6.
The latter’s part-owner, Sean Driver of Kurrinda Bloodstock, said it was great for the sport to have two top sprinters set for a Sydney spring carnival showdown and he was thrilled with how much Private Harry had furnished.
“All I will say is they’re going to have to be good to beat him,” Driver said.
“He has put on between 65 and 80 kilos, all muscle. He has grown about an inch-and-a-half.
“You’ve got to remember, he’s only three so he’s still got that bit of growing to do. He looks outstanding. I’m excited.”
Driver confirmed Private Harry had returned to work at trainer Nathan Doyle’s Newcastle stables two weeks ago as he began a gradual build up to the spring.
The colt, who hasn’t raced since taking his record to five wins in succession in the Group 1 The Galaxy (1100m) in March, is likely to resume in The Shorts before heading to the Premiere Stakes and The Everest.
Driver described Private Harry as a lazy trackworker who rarely won a gallop but an ultimate professional on race day.
“If you’re going off his trackwork, you might not sleep at night,” he said.
“But his IQ is through the roof. I imagine he will have his first trial at home, his second trial we’ll come to Sydney, an exhibition gallop and then we’ll go first-up.”
Private Harry is among three horses confirmed for Everest slots so far, along with Ka Ying Rising and T J Smith Stakes winner Briasa.
ATC head of racing and wagering, Nevesh Ramdhani, said the club was delighted to be hosting Ka Ying Rising in what was a coup for Sydney racing.
“Having representation from Hong Kong with such an exciting horse just adds to the depth and quality of not only The Everest but the entire Sydney Everest Carnival,” Ramdhani said.
Ka Ying Rising is expected to remain in Sydney to contest the $3 million Russell Balding Stakes a fortnight after The Everest.
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