Hong Kong superstar Ka Ying Rising has once again underlined why he is regarded as the world’s premier sprinter with a dominant performance in the Chief Executive’s Cup at Sha Tin.
Prepared by David Hayes, the five-year-old made light work of his rivals in the season-opening feature, stretching his winning sequence to 13. His overall record now stands at an imposing 14 victories from 16 appearances, the other two runs yielding runner-up finishes.
Ridden by Zac Purton, Ka Ying Rising began sharply, parked outside the leader Bottomuptogether and then breezed past with 275m to travel. Within a few strides the race was settled, and he cruised away to score by 2-1/4 lengths over Lucky Sweynesse in a slick 1:07.63 for the 1200 metres.
Having started $1.05, he franked his standing as the long-time favourite for The Everest, with his price firming to $1.70 in the aftermath. The Chief Executive’s Cup will be his lone run before flying to Australia, where he will complete quarantine at Canterbury Park next month ahead of Sydney’s $20 million showpiece on October 18.
Purton, fresh from his induction into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame, is confirmed to maintain the partnership when Ka Ying Rising seeks to become the first international winner of The Everest.