With his Everest berth secured well in advance, Briasa ($2.25F) rubber-stamped those plans by claiming the $1 million Group 2 Premiere Stakes in decisive fashion.
Trained by the Hawkes team, the Smart Missile gelding unleashed a lethal late sprint to fend off fellow Everest aspirant Jimmysstar ($2.90) by half a length, with Mazu ($19) another three lengths astern in third; former boom sprinter Private Harry weakened to fifth, 4-1/2 lengths from the winner.
Regular partner Tyler Schiller was aboard, and the five-year-old’s explosive turn of foot suggested he’s right where he needs to be for the $20 million grand final in two weeks.
“To give Tyler credit, he just flowed and he’s actually a joy to watch,” co-trainer Michael Hawkes said.
“The part I loved the most was when he stalked and he just kept him in a rhythm.
“He’s just got so much raw talent, he doesn’t know how good he is really.
“Tyler and I had discussions just before he got on the horse and I said just get him to the top of the rise and let him get down and then let him explode, if the race pans out that way.”
While Hong Kong star Ka Ying Rising has dominated the chatter since arriving to target the Everest, Hawkes offered a reminder about the challenge of travelling and competing away from home.
“It’s not a one-horse race, it never has been,” Hawkes said.
“We’ve been lucky enough to have another grey horse (Chautauqua) we’ve travelled, and I know how hard it can be.
“So for Ka Ying Rising everything needs to go right, he’s in our backyard now.”
Schiller echoed the sense that there’s still upside to come.
“I think he just keeps learning that little bit more, he’s come back a lot more relaxed than last prep,” Schiller said.
“But I still think there’s more improvement, which is scary.”
Briasa is currently on the third line of betting at $11 for the Everest, with Ka Ying Rising a dominant $1.60 favourite.
If you’re having a flutter on the Premiere Stakes or the Everest, compare the best betting sites, top betting apps and leading Australian bookmakers first.
