Ka Ying Rising continued his stellar campaign with a strong showing in a Thursday morning trial at Sha Tin, bolstering his chances ahead of the highly anticipated Group 1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize later this month. Displaying sharp acceleration and control, the star sprinter moved into the lead shortly after settling into stride and went on to comfortably claim the trial by a wide margin. Trainer David Hayes expressed satisfaction with both the effort and the horse’s recovery, maintaining hope for an undefeated season.
With a string of victories already this season, including prestigious Group 1 wins over both sprint and slightly extended distances, Ka Ying Rising is aiming to etch his name alongside Hong Kong greats by reaching an eighth seasonal triumph. Jockey Zac Purton, confident in the horse’s condition, remarked positively on how easily the trial went, noting the horse’s readiness for the major test ahead.
A formidable field awaits in the upcoming 1200m showdown, with last year’s champion among the competitors, alongside seasoned rivals from Hong Kong and a strong contingent from Japan. The competition includes big names such as Invincible Sage, Lucky Sweynesse, and Victor The Winner, along with overseas entrants who bring added intrigue to the sprint feature.
Purton is also set for another significant ride during the FWD Champions Day meeting, partnering with Galaxy Patch in the G1 FWD Champions Mile. The gelding left a strong impression in his recent trial, especially after responding well to the addition of cheek pieces. The closing stages saw him make up ground impressively, suggesting he could be peaking at just the right time.
Among Galaxy Patch’s rivals will be multiple high-profile runners, including BMW Hong Kong Derby runner-up My Wish, who also trialled earlier in the day and looked in good touch. Trainer Mark Newnham expressed satisfaction with the way the horse moved through the trial, noting that all key boxes had been ticked ahead of race day.
Other contenders have also been busy with their final preparations. At Conghua, Ricky Yiu’s pair Straight Arron and Sunlight Power turned in solid trial performances, building momentum ahead of their tilt at the Champions Mile. Meanwhile, Sha Tin hosted international stars preparing for the FWD QEII Cup and the Chairman’s Sprint Prize, adding to the excitement of the international competition coming up.
Racing fans can also look forward to the weekend’s domestic action, with a full program of 10 races scheduled for Sunday at Sha Tin. The opening event kicks off in the afternoon and promises an engaging lead-in to one of Hong Kong’s biggest racing weeks of the year.
