Ka Ying Rising will resume preparations with trainer David Hayes following his return from quarantine, while the upcoming Packing Smart debut will provide another major talking point at Happy Valley on Wednesday (4 November). The nine-race programme will feature the four-year-old’s first competitive appearance in the Class 4 Ant Digital Technologies Cup Handicap (1200m), as Hayes will also begin preparations for Ka Ying Rising’s important November assignments.
Packing Smart (127lb) will make his debut from barrier two against 11 opponents in the 1200m contest. The four-year-old gelding by Proisir, rated 52, will arrive at the meeting after three preparatory trials, with his latest performance at Happy Valley on 9 October providing particular encouragement.
Ridden by Zac Purton, Packing Smart finished first in the 1200m trial in 1m 10.67s. His performance will give Hayes confidence ahead of the gelding’s first racecourse appearance, although the trainer will remain mindful of his tendency to become keen during his work.
Hayes will also have the Four-Year-Old Classic Series in view, with the campaign scheduled to begin on 31 January with the HK$14 million Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m). The trainer will hope Wednesday’s assignment will provide valuable experience as the youngster begins his racing career.
The decision to use ear muffs will form part of the plan to manage Packing Smart’s enthusiasm. Hayes will expect the tempo of a Happy Valley contest to help the four-year-old settle more comfortably throughout the race.
Purton will also identify the gelding’s temperament as an important factor in his debut performance. The jockey will be particularly conscious of managing his early speed from barrier two, given the horse’s varying starting patterns during his trials.
Purton will enter Wednesday’s meeting at the top of the 2026/27 jockeys’ championship with 26 wins, nine clear of apprentice Nichola Yuen. Jerry Chau will occupy third place with 15 victories, followed by Vincent Ho with 14, Derek Leung with 11 and James Orman with 10.
The final two positions in the LONGINES International Jockeys’ Championship, scheduled for 9 December, will be decided on 25 November.
Ka Ying Rising Begins Preparation for November Sprint Targets
Ka Ying Rising will return to Hayes’ training routine after arriving back at the stable from quarantine on Monday (2 November). The six-year-old will now prepare for the HK$5.35 million G2 BOCHK Private Banking Jockey Club Sprint (1200m) on 22 November, his first scheduled appearance following The Everest (G1, 1200m).
Hayes will be encouraged by the sprinter’s initial condition after his return. The trainer reported that Ka Ying Rising maintained the same weight he carried at The Everest and moved freely during his first striding exercise.
Zac Purton will partner the champion during his first proper gallop since The Everest on Friday (6 November). A trial will follow on Friday week (13 November), before the six-year-old returns to competition on 22 November.
Hayes will then prepare Ka Ying Rising for the HK$28 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) on 13 December. The sprinter will attempt to create history by becoming the first horse to win the prestigious contest three times.
Purton will also have several other important engagements during the week. He will partner Live Wire (123lb) in the second section of the Class 3 Causeway Bay Handicap (1200m) on Wednesday, where the jockey will look to bring out the ability the horse has previously shown at Happy Valley.
On Sunday (8 November), Purton will reunite with 2024 Hong Kong Derby (2000m) winner Massive Sovereign in the HK$4.2 million G3 Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse Handicap (1800m). The jockey will approach the assignment following an encouraging piece of work, having noticed an improvement in the horse’s action and overall comfort.
Meanwhile, Little Paradise, Helios Express and Rubylot will continue their preparations following trials at Sha Tin. Little Paradise will lead a seven-runner group home over 1200m on dirt in 1m 09.93s.
Wednesday’s nine-race Happy Valley programme will begin at 6:40 pm with the Class 5 Cleveland Handicap (1000m). The evening’s schedule will conclude after eight further contests, with Packing Smart’s first appearance among the principal developments of the meeting.
The Packing Smart debut will headline Wednesday’s Happy Valley meeting as David Hayes prepares the four-year-old for his first competitive appearance. Ka Ying Rising will also resume training ahead of the G2 BOCHK Private Banking Jockey Club Sprint and his December Hong Kong Sprint target.
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