David Hayes, a Hall of Fame trainer, is expressing greater concern over the prevailing weather conditions than the wide barrier assigned to Hong Kong’s celebrated sprinter Ka Ying Rising for his upcoming defence of the Group 1 $20 million TAB Everest (1200m) at Royal Randwick this Saturday.
Ka Ying Rising drew barrier 11 for the world’s richest turf race, while his chief rival, Tempted, will start from the inside gate. Hayes, however, is confident that his champion sprinter possesses the natural speed required to overcome his disadvantageous draw.
The trainer is unable to control the weather, which brought significant rainfall to Sydney during the barrier draw event held at Luna Park.
“If the track was rated a 5,6 or 7 I can tolerate that,” Hayes commented. “A heavy 9 I would start to worry, if it got to (heavy) 9 I would s..t myself. I wouldn’t know what is going to happen.”
Ka Ying Rising remains the commanding $1.40 favourite with TAB Fixed Odds for The Everest, despite his wide alley. Tempted saw its odds shorten from $5 to $4.50, with Jimmysstar (barrier 8) next at $15.
Ninja (barrier 3), Joliestar (5), and Headwall (6) also drew favourably, while the quick Blue Door is coming out of barrier 9.
The field includes eight individual Group 1 winners, featuring two prior Everest victors: Ka Ying Rising (2025) and Giga Kick (2022). Angel Capital (barrier 2) is the sole entire in the competition, which also comprises six geldings, four mares, and the three-year-old filly Blue Door.
According to TAB Fixed Odds spokesperson Tim Ryan, Ka Ying Rising is the “most wagered-on horse in Everest futures betting history.”
“We are holding nearly $2.5 million on him,” Ryan disclosed. “That’s $2 million in multis and $500,000 straight out. He bottomed out at $1.30 but I’m comfortable having him at $1.40 with Tempted the firmer. What odds Ka Ying Rising starts out will depend on the track conditions on Saturday.”
Ka Ying Rising is aiming to join Redzel (2017-18) as the only horse to win The Everest on multiple occasions.
Hayes conceded that Tempted is shaping up as the main threat again, but he reminded observers that Ka Ying Rising is a more formidable sprinter now than he was twelve months ago.
“I can’t fault his preparation,” Hayes affirmed. “He’s fitter now than he was this time last year and his work has been very good. The unknown is a heavy track but if we get a soft 5,6 or 7 then we won’t be using the track as an excuse.”
With The Everest lineup confirmed, many are checking the betting sites for the best racing odds.
