Ka Ying Rising’s Everest Defence will face a crucial test at Royal Randwick on Saturday, 17 October, as persistent rain across Sydney raises concerns over track conditions for the AU$20 million Group 1 The Everest. Trainer David Hayes will prepare the six-year-old gelding for his title defence, with jockey Zac Purton set to ride the Hong Kong champion as he targets a 22nd consecutive victory in the 1,200-metre feature.
The world’s highest-rated racehorse will return to Australia aiming to reinforce his position among the sport’s leading sprinters. However, the unsettled weather will introduce an important question ahead of the race: whether the Randwick surface will allow him to reproduce his best form or provide an opportunity for his Australian challengers to close the gap.
Heavy rain will continue to influence preparations, with the final track rating expected to play a significant role in shaping the contest. Hayes will remain confident if the ground is rated slow or dead, although a heavy surface will present a less familiar challenge for his stable star. Better conditions could also give Ka Ying Rising an opportunity to threaten the Randwick 1,200-metre track record.
Ka Ying Rising’s Everest Defence Will Depend on Track Conditions
Hayes will approach the race with confidence in his runner’s preparation, but he will acknowledge the uncertainty surrounding a particularly wet track. The trainer will be more concerned if Randwick receives a heavy-nine rating or worse, as the conditions could test the gelding’s ability to produce his customary acceleration.
I feel like I know every weatherman in Sydney, Hayes said. If the track is heavy, it’s a bit of an unknown. I’m very confident he can handle a slow or dead track and of course, if we get a good track by some fluke, he’d be a good chance of breaking the track record.
Ka Ying Rising will start from barrier 11 in the 12-horse field after Tuesday’s official draw. The wide gate will not cause Hayes significant concern, particularly because Purton will prefer the gelding to enter the starting stalls later rather than wait inside for an extended period.
I can only speak for Zac and he really wanted to draw not one or seven, because he goes in first because of the way they do it here in Sydney, Hayes said. He can be a little bit touchy in the gates, so I would say Purton will be happier with the barrier, because he goes in late and jumps and gets going.
The champion will have a different starting position from last year, when he won The Everest from barrier seven. His established speed and unbeaten record will make him a major contender again, although the weather will remain an important variable in his bid for successive victories.
Tempted Will Pose a Serious Threat to the Champion
Tempted will emerge as one of the leading challengers to Ka Ying Rising’s Everest Defence. The filly finished second behind him in last year’s race, beaten by just over a length, and will start from barrier one as she seeks to go one better.
Formerly trained by James Cummings before transferring to Ciaron Maher’s stable, Tempted will arrive at Randwick after winning her last five races. Her record of nine wins, two second-place finishes and two third-place finishes from 14 starts will underline her consistency.
Her record at Randwick will provide another reason for confidence. Tempted will bring five wins and one second from six appearances at the track and distance. She will also have an unbeaten record across four starts on soft ground, making her an important contender if the rain continues.
Her latest success will come from the Group 2 Premiere Stakes over 1,200 metres at Randwick on 3 October, where she won by three lengths on a soft track. The performance will strengthen her credentials for another strong showing against the defending champion.
Maher will also saddle Jimmysstar, who finished third in last year’s Everest. The sprinter will enter the contest after returning to winning form in the Group 1 Manikato Stakes over 1,200 metres at Caulfield.
He’s a freak of nature, and he looks fantastic, but I’m rapt with Tempted. We’ve definitely got a chance, Maher said. She just loves Randwick – her record speaks for itself.
Maher will hope that further rain will give Tempted an opportunity to use her proven ability on rain-affected ground. Her recent winning sequence and familiarity with Randwick will make her a major threat, while Jimmysstar will add another experienced Group 1 performer to the stable’s challenge.
Blue Door Will Bring Early Speed to The Everest
Jamie Melham will take on a different assignment after choosing not to defend her Group 1 Caulfield Cup title over 2,400 metres on Saturday. Instead, she will partner three-year-old filly Blue Door for trainer Bjorn Baker in The Everest.
Blue Door will carry 51kg and will bring considerable early speed to the 1,200-metre contest. Baker will expect the filly to be prominent from the start, particularly after her recent performances over shorter distances.
She is coming out of two very fast races, one a track record over 1100m at Rosehill. I am confident if she is not leading, she will be very close. I think that’s her weapon – her speed, Baker said.
Baker will also field Caballus, winner of the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap over 1,200 metres at Flemington in March. The trainer will consider the sprinter a competitive contender if he can return to his best form.
If he gets back to his best, he is not out of it, Baker said.
Baker will additionally have first reserve Overpass available if a position becomes vacant in the field. His two potential runners will offer different tactical options, with Blue Door’s early pace likely to be particularly relevant in a race featuring several established sprinters.
Waller and Former Winner Giga Kick Add Further Depth
Chris Waller will field Angel Capital and Joliestar, giving the contest further depth. Both runners will be expected to challenge the leading contenders, while Giga Kick, winner of the 2022 Everest, will return for another attempt at the prestigious sprint.
The field will bring together horses with different strengths. Tempted will rely on her consistency and strong Randwick record, Jimmysstar will arrive after a Group 1 victory, and Blue Door will look to use her speed to secure a prominent position. Caballus, Angel Capital, Joliestar and Giga Kick will provide additional competition over the six-furlong distance.
The Group 1 Everest will be run over 1,200 metres at Royal Randwick on Saturday, 17 October, with the start scheduled for 1:15 PM Hong Kong time. The AU$20 million feature will place the defending champion against some of Australia’s leading sprinters, with the final track conditions expected to influence the race.
Ka Ying Rising’s Everest Defence will centre on his bid for a 22nd consecutive victory at Royal Randwick on 17 October. Sydney’s persistent rain could complicate his title defence, while Tempted, Jimmysstar, Blue Door, Caballus, Angel Capital, Joliestar and former winner Giga Kick will provide strong opposition in the AU$20 million Group 1 sprint.
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