Hong Kong’s premier racehorse, Ka Ying Rising, was beaten by Ninja in a 1000m barrier trial on the Royal Randwick course proper this morning, but neither the trainer nor the jockey expressed any concern.
Ka Ying Rising, widely regarded as the world’s best racehorse, bolted from the start to lead the trial, with Ninja settling as his immediate follower.
Jockey Purton maintained a controlled grip on Ka Ying Rising for the majority of the trial, though he applied more pressure in the straight as Ninja drew level with the champion and edged ahead near the finish line.
Trainer Hayes indicated that the soft 7 track rating and the extended length of the grass on the outer course proper contributed to Ka Ying Rising’s narrow defeat.
“I have seen him trial better,” the Hall of Fame trainer remarked.
“But the way the track was, the longer grass and the soft ground wasn’t in his favour.
“I noticed he didn’t change legs (in the straight), that’s always an indicator he’s going pretty easy.
“When Zac puts him under a bit of pressure he changes legs and finds a lot. It’s a pass mark today – but not exciting.”
Everest-bound Ninja, ridden by Tommy Berry, narrowly defeated Ka Ying Rising in the trial, clocking 59.46 seconds.
Other potential Everest contenders, Joliestar, Headwall, and Angel Capital, finished just behind the placegetters.
The trial result did not alter the betting for The Everest, with TAB Fixed Odds maintaining Ka Ying Rising as the $1.30 favourite, followed by Tempted at $6, Joliestar at $18, Ninja at $21, Headwall at $26, and Angel Capital at $34.
Purton noted that Ka Ying Rising “needed the hit-out” as the champion sprinter had gained too much condition since arriving at the Canterbury quarantine and training facility two weeks ago.
“He pulled up having a bigger blow than what he did from his race recently,” Purton stated.
“But the softer ground, the time between runs, it gets him back into his routine, gets him familiar with what’s going on here and we saw last year how much that helped him on raceday.”
Ka Ying Rising also finished third in his Randwick trial last year, behind Overpass, but went on to dominate his rivals in The Everest.
Purton is convinced Ka Ying Rising is an even better sprinter now than 12 months ago but conceded his preference for a firm track for the major race.
“I’d prefer him to be on top of the ground, he likes it when it’s a hard and fast deck,” Purton said.
“As we’ve seen in the trial, and the trial last year, he seems to labour in the softer ground. Let’s hope the sun comes out and stays out.”
Hayes and Purton also agreed on the horse to beat in The Everest, with both impressed by Godolphin mare Tempted’s dominant Premiere Stakes victory last Saturday.
“Tempted could not have had a better lead-up race, I think her win was exceptional,” Hayes commented.
“You know she will handle the conditions, she loves Randwick, and she’s a legitimate danger.
“She hasn’t lost since The Everest last year but our horse hasn’t lost, either.”
Purton also acknowledged the exceptional nature of Tempted’s last start win.
“She was brilliant the other day, the turn of foot was incredible,” Purton stated.
“She’s going to be hard to beat. She looks like she has improved, I think we have improved a bit as well.
“It’s going to be a strong race, people have been downplaying it and saying there’s not much there. But history tells us it’s the strongest sprint race on the calendar.”
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