Ka Ying Rising, the world’s highest-rated horse, will take an important step towards his title defence in the AU$20 million G1 The Everest when he contests a 1000-metre barrier trial at Randwick Racecourse in Sydney on Tuesday, 6 October.
The Hong Kong star will face four potential rivals for The Everest — Joliestar, Angel Capital, Ninja and Headwall — in a trial that will provide a crucial indication of his condition ahead of the 1200-metre Group 1 contest on 17 October.
G1 King Charles III Stakes contenders Amazing Journey and Apocalyptic have also been nominated for the Randwick trial, adding further depth to the morning’s quality field.
Ka Ying Rising prepares for another major test
Nine-time Hong Kong Champion Jockey Zac Purton has travelled to Australia to partner Ka Ying Rising in the trial, while trainer David Hayes will be at Randwick to oversee the preparation.
The trial will be particularly significant given Ka Ying Rising’s performance in the corresponding event last season. The champion finished third in that barrier trial before producing a landmark victory in The Everest, becoming the first overseas-trained horse to win the prestigious race.
His return to Randwick this year comes with expectations high once again. The 1200-metre contest at Royal Randwick will be the next major test as connections assess his readiness for another demanding Group 1 assignment.
Should Ka Ying Rising prevail on 17 October, the victory would extend his Hong Kong record winning streak to 22 races. It would also give the star his 10th Group 1 success, bringing him level with the remarkable record of Golden Sixty.
The Randwick trial is therefore more than a routine preparation run. It will offer an important opportunity to assess the champion against several horses who could line up alongside him when The Everest field takes shape.
The 1000-metre barrier trial is scheduled for 9am Sydney time on Tuesday, equivalent to 6am Hong Kong time. The trial will be broadcast live through the Club’s online platforms, including the HKJC TV App, 3-in-1 App Discover, Racing Touch and its official social media channels.
With The Everest now less than two weeks away, attention will be firmly focused on Randwick as Ka Ying Rising begins the final phase of his preparation for another attempt at one of the world’s biggest turf racing prizes.
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