Hong Kong superstar Ka Ying Rising will have to overcome a wide barrier to defend his crown in Saturday’s $20 million The Everest (1200m) at Royal Randwick.
The David Hayes-trained sprinter drew barrier 11 in the 12-horse field at Tuesday’s barrier draw, while his main market rival Tempted secured the inside gate.
Ka Ying Rising was the $1.40 favourite before the draw, with Ciaron Maher’s Tempted the $5 second favourite for the 10th running of the Group 1 sprint.
Tempted will jump from barrier one for the second consecutive year, having drawn the same gate when finishing runner-up to Ka Ying Rising in 2025.
The defending champion started from barrier seven last year, but Hayes believes drawing towards the outside could actually work in his favour this time.
“Zac (Purton) really didn’t want to draw (gate) one or seven because he goes in first with the way they do it here,” Hayes said. “I’d say Zac will be happy with 11, he goes in late and will jump quickly.”
“Last year he played up from seven because there was a holdup but this year that won’t be a factor.”
Angel Capital drew barrier two, with Ninja in three and Spicy Martini in four, while Joliestar will jump from five and Headwall from six.
Savvy Hallie secured barrier seven, ahead of Jimmysstar in eight and Blue Door in nine.
Caballus drew barrier 10, while Giga Kick will start from the outside gate in barrier 12.
Despite drawing the second-widest barrier, Ka Ying Rising remains the horse to beat as he attempts to become a two-time winner of the world’s richest turf race.
