Tyler Schiller is confident wide barriers won’t stop Briasa from giving Hong Kong superstar Ka Ying Rising a serious challenge in Saturday’s $20 million The Everest at Randwick.
The talented sprinter was undone by a wide gate in The Galaxy earlier this year, forced to go back to last before charging home late for fourth. But Schiller says this time will be different, despite again drawing wide in barrier 10.
“He’s into his preparation this time, he’s not first-up, so I have no fears about using him a bit early to be in his position,” Schiller said.
“The closer he can be the better. Hopefully not absorbing all the pressure but somewhere around the mark where he can strike.”
Briasa is already proven over the Everest course and distance, having taken out both the TJ Smith Stakes in the autumn and the Premiere Stakes earlier this month.
In contrast, Ka Ying Rising’s only experience at Randwick came via a barrier trial defeat, although the Hong Kong sensation has not been beaten in Hong Kong since January 2023 and has strung together 13 consecutive wins. That form has earned him the title of the world’s top-rated racehorse, but Schiller believes the unbeaten visitor is not invincible.
“He is definitely beatable,” Schiller said.
“It’s just whether he gets in his comfort zone or not, whether he loves the track, the conditions, pressure from the other speed horses.
“He is the top-rated sprinter in the world so it’s hard to go past him and he’s going to be hard to get past.”
Ka Ying Rising remains a dominant $1.70 favourite for The Everest, with Briasa currently a $16 outsider. Still, Schiller has complete faith in his mount, having partnered him in nine of his 12 starts for six victories.
“He’s flying,” Schiller said. “He blew out a bit first-up but second-up I didn’t feel any signs of weakness. He felt like he was still powering through the line. He is a one-of-a-kind horse and I’m glad to be the one on him.”
Those looking to back Briasa or Ka Ying Rising in The Everest can compare odds and bonuses across Australia’s top betting sites — the most searched destinations on Google for horse racing markets and promotions.