Ka Ying Rising has signalled a strong return to action with an impressive barrier trial at Sha Tin on Friday, 13 November, as the champion sprinter prepares for the HK$5.35 million G2 BOCHK Private Banking Jockey Club Sprint (1200m) on 22 November.
Making his first trial appearance since his remarkable 21-race winning streak came to an end with a second-place finish in October’s G1 The Everest (1200m) at Randwick, Sydney, Ka Ying Rising produced an encouraging performance over 1200 metres on the dirt course. The world’s top-rated racehorse stopped the clock at 1m 08.80s, finishing two lengths ahead of Helios Express.
Ka Ying Rising began sharply before jockey Zac Purton settled the champion behind the early pace in third. He travelled comfortably before being taken wide around the turn, where he accelerated clear of his rivals while still under restraint, leaving a favourable impression ahead of his competitive return.
Trainer David Hayes was pleased with what he saw, particularly the horse’s ability to settle during the trial.
“He was really good,” 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 Targets Historic Hong Kong Sprint Success
The immediate objective for Ka Ying Rising is the BOCHK Private Banking Jockey Club Sprint, which will serve as his preparation for the HK$28 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) on 13 December.
Hayes is aiming to guide the champion towards an unprecedented third victory in the prestigious December contest. Following Friday’s trial, the trainer confirmed that no further trial would be required before the 22 November assignment.
“That was his major hit-out. He’ll probably do a little bit of striding work next Wednesday (18 November), and that’ll be it,” Hayes said.
Looking further ahead, Hayes has not ruled out testing Ka Ying Rising over longer distances later in the season. His campaign is expected to follow the same pattern as last year through the HK$13 million G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) on 21 February.
Following that race, Hayes and the Ka Ying Syndicate will assess whether to continue pursuing another Hong Kong Speed Series campaign or consider a new challenge in the HK$24 million G1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m) on 25 April.
The possibility of a mile campaign is particularly appealing to Hayes, who believes another major victory over the distance could further enhance the champion’s standing.
“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,” he added.
Hayes Prepares Rubylot and Tomodachi Kokoroe for Saturday
While attention remains firmly on Ka Ying Rising’s return, Hayes will also have two runners in Saturday’s (14 November) feature event at Sha Tin, the Class 2 Panasonic Cup Handicap (1200m).
Rubylot (135lb) will make his return after spending six months away from competition following a suspensory ligament injury. The six-year-old has completed his rehabilitation programme, and Hayes intends to use the 1200m contest to assess his readiness for a possible appearance during the December international meeting.
The trainer indicated that Rubylot could subsequently progress to the G2 BOCHK Private Wealth Jockey Club Mile (1600m), provided he comes through Saturday’s race satisfactorily.
“He’s had a suspensory ligament (injury), but he’s done the full rehab,” Hayes said. “It’s to try and get him on the right leg to be a chance for the Internationals. The idea would be to run in this as a warm-up race, and then the (G2 BOCHK Private Wealth Jockey Club) Mile (1600m).”
Rubylot will return to 1200 metres for the first time since winning over the distance on 28 September 2024. He will also reunite with Brenton Avdulla, who partnered the gelding for three of his six career victories.
Hayes acknowledged that Rubylot could produce an encouraging performance despite the lengthy absence, although his immediate priority remains assessing the horse’s condition after the race.
“He’s a funny horse,” Hayes said. “He’s won at every distance! I think fresh, he could surprise, but it would be a surprise.”
“He’s a good, honest horse. But I just want to see him get through this and pull up well. This is a bonus if something happens.”
Hayes’ second representative, Tomodachi Kokoroe (133lb), will be looking to respond after finishing eighth in the G2 Lukfook Jewellery Premier Bowl Handicap (1200m) on his previous appearance.
The six-year-old will have Jerry Chau aboard for the first time, with Hayes hoping the change of jockey will help bring about an improved performance. The trainer pointed to Tomodachi Kokoroe’s difficult passage from a wide barrier last time, while also acknowledging that his earlier form had fallen below expectations.
“Last time he had a horror run from the wide gate, but his form before that was well below his best,” Hayes said. “Trackwork suggests he’s okay, but I wanna see it in a race.”
Saturday’s 11-race programme at Sha Tin will begin at 12.30pm with the Class 4 (Restricted) Panasonic Water Dispenser Handicap (1200m), with the Panasonic Cup Handicap providing the day’s feature attraction.
Ka Ying Rising’s impressive trial has provided an encouraging indication of his condition ahead of an important stretch of the Hong Kong season, with the champion now moving closer to his highly anticipated return to competition.
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