Ka Ying Rising continued his smooth preparation for the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races (HKIR) with a dominant barrier trial performance at Sha Tin on Friday (14 November), easily accounting for a field of high-class rivals.
The world’s top-rated sprinter jumped cleanly and travelled keenly throughout before powering down the 1200m dirt straight in a sharp 1m 10.19s under regular rider Zac Purton. The run served as a key tune-up for the HK$5.35 million Group 2 BOCHK Private Banking Jockey Club Sprint (1200m) at Sha Tin on 23 November.
Already a 14-time winner in succession, the five-year-old looks set to defend his HK$28 million Group 1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) crown on 14 December. Trainer David Hayes believes the superstar has come back even better following his successful international venture, which included victory in the AU$20 million Group 1 The Everest (1200m) in October.
“It was an upper-class trial with some of Hong Kong’s best horses and he did what he does,” Hayes said.
“A lot of horses … who have had these international trips come back better if they’ve handled it well. I think he has, and I’m actually confident that the trip has brought him on.”
The trial marked Ka Ying Rising’s first public appearance since his return from Royal Randwick in Sydney, where he reaffirmed his status as the world’s premier sprinter with a commanding victory in the globe’s richest turf race. Purton said the horse remains full of enthusiasm.
“He’s very fresh. He’s very eager to get on with things – he’s probably going 10 per cent keen,” the 42-year-old said. “He trialled well, so that’ll take the stuffing out of him a little bit and he can relax now until race day.”
As the Hong Kong racing season enters its decisive phase, Purton maintains a commanding 20-win lead over Luke Ferraris in the jockeys’ championship. The eight-time champion said the influx of international riders for the LONGINES International Jockeys’ Championship and HKIR always provides a stimulating challenge.
“It’s always good to have (the world’s best riders) here. I always learn something when I’m riding with them and watching them more closely,” Purton added. “We’ve been riding against each other for a number of years now so it’s good to catch up with them. Obviously, we have the rivalry on the track, but off the track, we all get along very well.”
At Saturday’s (15 November) Sha Tin meeting, Purton will take a full book of 10 rides, with his top hope being the Manfred Man-trained Patch Of Stars (124lb) in the feature event, the HK$2.84 million Class 2 Lukfook Jewellery Cup Handicap (1200m).
The four-year-old All Too Hard gelding steps up in grade after a half-length win over the same course and distance last start — his fourth success from 11 Hong Kong appearances. However, his task was made harder after drawing barrier nine for his Class 2 debut.
“It’s a little bit awkward because tactically he’s a tricky horse,” Purton said. “You can’t hustle him to get a position and then expect him to relax; he needs to float into a position. So it’s an awkward gate for him.”
Saturday’s (15 November) 10-race Sha Tin card commences at 1pm with the Class 4 Lukfook Jewellery Hexicon Handicap (1200m).
If you’re looking to have a flutter on the upcoming LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint or global feature races like The Everest, make sure to compare horse racing betting platforms and Australia’s best betting sites for the best odds and offers.
