KIERSTEN DUKE: Tempted could be an outside chance to upset Ka Ying Rising at The Everest

The richest race on turf, the TAB Everest will be held at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

The 1200m sprint is one of the most talked about races across the globe and with a prize pool of $20 million, it attracts some of the world’s best racehorses.

This year’s edition has done exactly that. The world’s highest rated sprinter Ka Ying Rising has made the trip from Hong Kong to Sydney. Just in the nick of time too.

If the star sprinter’s flight had been just 36 hours later, he wouldn’t have made it to quarantine in time, due to a typhoon smashing Hong Kong with winds reaching a terrifying 220kph.

If you thought that was the end of the speed bumps in the road to climbing the Everest, then you’d be wrong. Like all famous events, this one wasn’t without rumours and scandal.

The NRL grand final was surrounded with fearful fans after speculation arose that American Grammy nominee Teddy Swims wouldn’t make the opening act. Thankfully it was just gossip and the show went on.

In similar fashion less than 48 hours ago, a rumour that Ka Ying Rising was no longer going to race in the Everest spread like wildfire throughout the horse racing industry and beyond.

Social media blew up. Betting markets froze. The world held its breath.

But on Monday morning we collectively breathed a sigh of relief as we watched the $1.70 favourite do his final track gallop in preparation for Saturday’s finale.

Hall of Fame trainer David Hayes insisted the five-year-old was spot on and ready to rumble.

Now, we just pray for plenty of sunshine and a very dry track. The only potential chink in this knight’s armour.

While the majority of talk has centred on Ka Ying Rising, you can’t count out the other horses. Australia is internationally renowned for breeding the best sprinters.

So, it’s not unlikely for punters to look beyond the $1.60 price of New Zealand-bred Ka Ying Rising for some value.

With barriers now announced, unless there’s a surprise shower of rain, I wouldn’t expect more movement in the market.

As it currently stands, Team Hawkes-trained Briasa is firing into the Everest in red hot form, after flying home in the Group 2 Premier Stakes over the 1200m earlier this month.

The only concern? A wide draw of barrier 10 could see him in a tricky three-wide position throughout the run.

Another competitor who I’m keen to keep an eye on could be seen as an unlikely one.

Three-year-old filly Tempted. This gorgeous little lady was outstanding in the Group 2 Run To The Rose just two starts ago before backing it up with a brave third placing in the Group 1 Golden Rose over 1400m.

The 1200m Everest will suit Tempted and the advantage of barrier one could see her settle close enough to the speed to get a sneaky rails run.

Prior to last year, no mare had won The Everest, but Bella Nipotina broke that hoodoo and paved the way for the girls.

Pundits have also been sceptical of three-year-olds competing against the older horses.

But the almighty Giga Kick defied those odds in 2022. So, can Tempted take on these combined question marks and smash them out of the park?

At odds of $17 on the TAB I’d be happy to play around and find out.

If you don’t have an interest in horse racing, this is still a must-attend event. Fashion enthusiasts flock to the Fashion Stakes each year, embracing the touch of blue theme to go head-to-head for a chance to win more than $10,000 in cash and prizes.

The day doesn’t end after the races. As part of the spring carnival’s After The Last series, UK DJ Nathan Dawes is set to fire up the stage in the Theatre Of The Horse. The BRIT Awards-nominated DJ/producer has stormed the charts with hits like Lighter ft. KSI and 21 Reasons ft. Ella Henderson.

KIERSTEN’S TIPS

Best: KA YING RISING ($1.60 TAB)

Value: TEMPTED ($17 TAB)