Ka Ying Rising impresses in trial

Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress) is primed for his Hong Kong return in the HK$5.35 million Gr.2 BOCHK Private Banking Jockey Club Sprint (1200m) after an impressive barrier trial at Sha Tin on Friday.

In his first trial appearance since his 21-race winning streak was brought to an end when he finished second in October’s Gr.1 The Everest (1200m) at Randwick in Sydney, the world’s top-rated racehorse stopped the clock in 1m 08.80s after a brisk outing on the 1200m dirt course, beating Helios Express by two lengths.

Ka Ying Rising jumped smartly before Zac Purton eased him back to third, then swung wide on the turn and sprinted clear under a hold.

“He was really good,” trainer David Hayes said. “It was a very fast run trial, and I love seeing him relaxing in third. He looks like he’s come back – like last year – in terrific form.”

Ka Ying Rising is preparing to try and become the first three-time winner of the HK$28 million Gr.1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) on 13 December, and Hayes said there would be no need for a further hit-out before the Jockey Club Sprint on 22 November.

“That was his major hit-out. He’ll probably do a little bit of striding work next Wednesday, and that’ll be it,” Hayes said.

The two-time Hong Kong Champion Trainer again raised the prospect of a step up in distance for the champion sprinter later in the season. Hayes said his schedule will be “copied and pasted” from last season up to the HK$13 million Gr.1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) on 21 February, at which point he – along with owner, the Ka Ying Syndicate – will decide whether to pursue a repeat of Ka Ying Rising’s Hong Kong Speed Series triumphs of the last two seasons, or to switch targets to the HK$24 million Gr.1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m) on 25 April.

“I just think – if he’s racing like he trialled today – it would be just great for his legacy to be able to win a Group 1 mile,” Hayes added.