Hot Everest favourite Ka Ying Rising steps out for Randwick barrier trial ahead of $20 million race

World No.1 sprinter Ka Ying Rising has turned in a solid — but hardly eye-catching — run in his barrier trial at Randwick on Tuesday.

Ka Ying Rising placed third in the 1000m trial behind Linebacker and another Everest contender, Overpass.

It was far from a disgraceful performance, with the field including other stars such as Mr Brightside, Fangirl, Joliestar and Angel Capital.

Chris Waller’s Joliestar and Angel Capital are also confirmed Everest runners.

But gun jockey Zac Purton expressed some concerns about the hot favourite for the $20 million Everest.

“He was certainly feeling the moment a little bit and then carrying the extra condition, compared to his racing weight, on the softer ground he felt obviously it a little bit,’’ Purton said.

“The ground (the track was rated good 4) was a bit softer than what he’s used to.

“I thought he got through it OK, it’s a pass mark, but I think he needs to be better on race day.

“He’s going to need to be at his best, the Australian sprinters are world class and we’ve had to travel down here and take them on, on a track that’s not really to our preference.

“At Sha Tin the track is a lot firmer and a lot faster.

“That’s the challenge we wanted to take and we look forward to it.”

But trainer David Hayes has downplayed the trial run, saying Ka Ying Rising will be better for it.

“At Sha Tin he gets very edgy in the mornings going through the tunnels with all the horses and when Zac, or whoever is riding him, drops over his neck he relaxes straight away,’’ Hayes said.

“I think that was a bit typical of Ka Ying today. He will be better on race day but he’ll have to be, because there’s going to be 50,000 people here.

“He really needed a dress rehearsal, he was a bit fresh in the pre-parade, it’s been a big help for him.”

Ka Ying Rising is on a hot streak and has won its past 13 races and 14 out of his last 16 starts.

A month ago he wowed the racing world when he won first-up the HK$3.72 million Class 1 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup Handicap (1200m) at Sha Tin.

The Group 1 $20 million Everest (1200m) will be live and free on Channel 7 on October 18.

The field is close to being finalised with 10 of the 12 slots being filled. Yulong Investments are searching for a replacement for Private Harry who has been sent to the paddock while Godolphin are expected to select one of Tempted or Beiwacht.

After the trial, Ka Ying Rising odds didn’t shift and was still a 1.50 favourite.

- With RAS Newswire

Everest Day officially a sellout

The Australian Turf Club has confirmed that the TAB Everest Day at Royal Randwick is officially a sellout.

The last of the tickets for the highly popular event on October 18 – which obviously includes the world’s richest race on turf – sold out on Monday night.

The Australian Turf Club also revealed that 54 per cent of general admission tickets were sold to people aged under 34.

Australian Turf Club interim CEO Steve McMahon said this year’s edition of the $20 million race - which now has Group 1 status - was shaping as the strongest in its history.

“TAB Everest Day has become a Sydney phenonium in less than a decade and we are delighted with our partners Racing NSW to put up the ‘house full’ sign for the second year running,’’ McMahon said.

“The Group 1 $20 million TAB Everest is also creating unprecedented interest worldwide and this year sees the arrival of Hong Kong superstar Ka Ying Rising, the world’s highest rated sprinter.

“But he will need to be the world’s best to beat the very best sprinters Australia has to offer including local stars Briasa, Joliestar, Lady Shenandoah, Angel Capital and Jimmysstar, amongst several others.

“For those who miss TAB Everest Day, we urge you to look at other race days throughout spring including the first running at Royal Randwick of the Golden Eagle.’’