Ka Ying Rising showed his quest for The Everest is on track with an effortless win at Sha Tin on Sunday.
The horse rated the world’s best sprinter made light work of his opposition in the Chief Executive’s Cup, cruising to victory under Zac Purton in the traditional feature event of the opening meeting of the season in Hong Kong.
The victory was the David Hayes-trained five-year-old’s 13th win in a row and took his career record to 14 wins from 16 starts, with two second placings.
Ka Ying Rising has been an odds-on favourite for The Everest ever since it was announced he would race in the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s slot in this year’s race and tightened into $1.70 after the win.
The son of Shamexpress, who started $1.05, jumped well and settled second behind leader Bottomuptogether, who he ambled alongside 275m out before putting the race away within 100m before coasting to the line for a 2-1/4-length win over Lucky Sweynesse.
He covered the 1200 metres in a time of 1:07.63.
The Chief Executive’s Cup was Ka Ying Rising’s only start before The Everest.
He will head to Australia late next month to quarantine at Canterbury Park where he will round out his preparations aimed at becoming the first international winner of Sydney’s now-signature event of the Spring Carnival.
Purton, who was last weekend inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame, will head to Australia to take the ride in The Everest.
