Cover image courtesy of Georgia Young Photography
Can anyone stop Ka Ying Rising - other than fake news? Trainer David Hayes declared him ready to rock 'n' roll, but he'll need to be close to his best to hold off 11 Australian locals, all looking to run him down.
Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress {NZ}) was clearly in good health as he galloped in bold style at Canterbury on Monday morning, ahead of this Saturday’s $20 million G1 The Everest. Despite rumours of a possible scratching swirling on Sunday, the gelding was clearly moving well and showing no signs of concern.
“He went out on the beautiful Canterbury track and ran home in 38 under a nice hold, his recovery was excellent and I think he’s really improved from the trial,” David Hayes told the media after the Shamexpress (NZ) gelding’s hit-out.
“The idea of the trial was to bring him on, and I think it has, and I’m very happy with him. He’s ready to rumble.”
The workout effectively put to bed suggestions that Ka Ying Rising may have been in doubt for the $20 million sprint, after speculation over his fitness briefly led to betting markets for The Everest being shut down on Sunday.
Thankfully, all is well - though the false rumours clearly unsettled the gelding’s trainer.
“I came back from trackwork yesterday, telling my wife I think the horse is as good as I can have him, then to read all that in the afternoon was amazing,” Hayes said.
“I thought it was funny at first but after three hours of it, I did my block. I’d say if the conditions are right on the weekend he’ll give the record a shake.”
“I’d say if the conditions are right on the weekend he’ll (Ka Ying Rising) give the record a shake.” - David Hayes
The current Randwick 1200-metre record stands at 1:07.32, set by Yes Yes Yes in the 2019 TAB Everest as a 3-year-old.
‘He’s ready’: Temperament not a concern
When asked about Ka Ying Rising’s behaviour at the recent Randwick trials, where he appeared slightly stirred by the new surroundings, Hayes was both forgiving and optimistic, expecting a sharper performance on Saturday.
David Hayes | Image courtesy of the Hong Kong Jockey Club
“He’s embraced the travelling,” Hayes said.
“It must be remembered he’d never seen Randwick until that day - if he went down there today, he’d be fine.
“That dress rehearsal helped a lot. I probably won’t show him too much to the public, because he’s not used to this environment.
“The ATC, if he’s a bit uptight, is allowing us to go out the back - I understand Winx was able to do that as well.
“They will have to be very good to beat him.”
The Everest field is confirmed
The field has now been finalised, with Yulong locking in their spot via the Triple Crown Syndications-owned Mazu (Maurice {Jpn}), after their original selection, Private Harry (Harry Angel {Ire}), was ruled out due to injury. Interestingly, Yulong partnered successfully with Triple Crown when Redzel (Snitzel) won The Everest in 2018.
The 11 Australian-trained runners that Ka Ying Rising has to beat have won a combined 80 races and amassed just under $42.2 million in prizemoney. Notably, Joliestar (Zoustar) is the only runner in this year’s field to have contested the race last year. Nine of the 12 runners are Group 1 winners, while Angel Capital (Harry Angel {Ire}), Tempted (Street Boss {USA}) and Jedibeel (NZ) (Savabeel) are Group 2 winners.
Ka Ying Rising (NZ)
5-year-old gelding, Shamexpress (NZ) x Missy Moo (Per Incanto {USA})
The Hong Kong raider, trained by Australian David Hayes, comes into the G1 The Everest as the hot favourite. Hailed as the world’s best sprinter, he has won 14 of his 16 starts in Hong Kong - his only defeats came at his second and third starts. Since then, he's strung together 13 straight wins in Hong Kong, including four at Group 1 level and another three at Group 2 level.
Ka Ying Rising | Image courtesy of the Hong Kong Jockey Club
He looks the one to beat, and has been the favourite since being announced as the Hong Kong Jockey Club's slot representative. Now, he’ll look to take both the cash and the trophy back to Hong Kong.
Joliestar
5-year-old mare, Zoustar x Jolie Bay (Fastnet Rock)
The Cambridge Stud-owned mare runs in the Chris Waller slot again, as she did last year when she finished a desperately unlucky seventh - beaten just over a length and a half.
Joliestar | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
She’s a classy and versatile mare, having won the G1 1000 Guineas over a mile as a 3-year-old. Since her Everest run, she’s added the G1 Newmarket Handicap and the G1 Kingsford Smith Cup to her record, and in this preparation, she was impressive, winning the G2 The Shorts resuming.
She looks primed to peak and, if the race sets up to suit, she could well upset the Hong Kong superstar.
War Machine (NZ)
5-year-old gelding, Harry Angel (Ire) x Caserta (Hussonet {USA})
Trained by Ben, Will and JD Hayes, War Machine (NZ) (Harry Angel {Ire}) will run under the Coolmore Stud slot, and he looms as a live chance. He’s won seven of 14 starts, including his last four since joining Lindsay Park.
War Machine (NZ) | Image courtesy of Trackside Photography
Those wins include the G3 BRC Sprint, G1 Stradbroke Handicap, and, first-up this preparation, the G2 Gilgai Stakes - under a hefty 60kg.
He’ll appreciate a fast pace and has the closing speed to feature in the finish.
Lady Shenandoah
4-year-old mare, Snitzel x Star Pupil (Starcraft {NZ})
Lady Shenandoah (Snitzel) ended her 3-year-old season with five straight wins, all at Group level - including three Group 1 victories: the Flight Stakes, Surround Stakes, and Coolmore Classic.
Lady Shenandoah | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
This prep, while winless, she ran a flashing second to Headwall (Dream Ahead {USA}) in the G3 Concorde Stakes, then struggled to handle Moonee Valley when fourth in the G1 Manikato Stakes behind Charm Stone (I Am Invincible). She is likely to be saved for one run, and if the breaks come for her, she has a finish as strong as anyone in the field.
Tempted
3-year-old filly, Street Boss (USA) x Calliope (Exceed And Excel)
The Godolphin-bred and owned filly is the only 3-year-old in this year’s race. A filly has never won The Everest, though Lady Of Camelot (Written Tycoon) went close last year, running a close-up fourth, while Yes Yes Yes and Giga Kick both won as 3-year-old colts/geldings.
Tempted | Image courtesy of Sportpix
Tempted, a dual Group 2 winner as a juvenile, resumed with a brilliant win in the G2 Run To The Rose, beating Beiwacht (Bivouac), who then won the G1 Golden Rose. Tempted herself ran a brave third there, possibly stretched by the 1400-metre trip.
Trainer Ciaron Maher is well known for peaking horses for the big ones, and maybe Tempted could break both her Group 1 hoodoo, and the 3-year-old fillies' hoodoo at the same time.
Angel Capital
4-year-old horse, Harry Angel (Ire) x Bahamas (Teofilo {Ire})
Owned by Yulong Investments, Angel Capital steps into the G1 The Everest after a powerful win in the Listed Chautauqua Stakes first-up for Chris Waller. He followed that with an unlucky fourth in the G1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes behind Sepals (Calyx {GB}).
Angel Capital | Image courtesy of the Image Is Everything
With a blistering turn of foot, this dual Group 2 and Group 3 winner will relish a fast-run race - and he looks a dangerous late closer.
Jedibeel (NZ)
6-year-old gelding, Savabeel x Starry (NZ) (O’Reilly {NZ})
Owned by Mulberry Racing, Jedibeel takes their slot in what will be trainer Brad Widdup’s first Everest runner.
Jedibeel (NZ) | Image courtesy of Sportpix
While he doesn’t bring the same form depth as others, he’s a G2 Challenge Stakes winner and has also claimed the Listed Razor Sharp Stakes.
Last start, he was fourth behind Briasa (Smart Missile), with Jimmysstar (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}) and Mazu (Maurice {Jpn}) filling the minors - all of whom line up again here. A win would be a major upset.
Overpass
7-year-old gelding, Vancouver x Walkway (Exceed And Excel)
With $10.5 million in earnings, Overpass (Vancouver) arrives fresh - a proven formula for this tough veteran who has four wins and four seconds from nine first-up runs.
Overpass | Image courtesy of Western Racepix
He missed last year’s Everest but won the $2 million Sydney Stakes instead. He also contested the 2022 and 2023 Everests, finishing sixth and 10th respectively.
Two recent trial seconds, including one where he beat Ka Ying Rising - suggest he’s ready to run a big race.
Magic Time
6-year-old mare, Hellbent x Time Awaits (Nicconi)
One of three Yulong-owned runners, Magic Time (Hellbent) runs in the Inglis slot. The Graeme Begg-trained mare may be best at 1400 metres, having won the G1 All Aged Stakes and G1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes, but her 1200-metre record is strong.
Magic Time | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
She’s won the G3 PJ Bell, G3 Nivison, G2 Expressway, and G3 Cockram Stakes over this trip, and was a solid third in the G1 Manikato Stakes last start.
Tough and consistent, she’s capable of running a big race with the right run.
Jimmysstar (NZ)
6-year-old gelding, Per Incanto (USA) x Anniesstar (NZ) (Zed {NZ})
Trained by Ciaron Maher, Jimmysstar was in top form last season, winning the G1 Oakleigh Plate and G1 All Aged Stakes.
Jimmysstar (NZ) | Image courtesy of Georgia Young Photography
He resumed with a fast-finishing fifth in the G3 Concorde Stakes, then was excellent when second behind Briasa in the G2 Premiere Stakes.
A get-back runner, he’ll need luck - but if the leaders overdo it, he’ll be flying late. Interesting to note: he’s by Little Avondale Stud's Per Incanto (USA), also the damsire of Ka Ying Rising.
Briasa
5-year-old gelding, Smart Missile x Mary’s Grace (Twining {USA})
Briasa enters the G1 The Everest off a strong win in the G2 Premiere Stakes, often seen as a mini-Everest trial. Trained by Team Hawkes, he’s won eight of 12 starts and was last autumn’s G1 TJ Smith winner.
Briasa | Image courtesy of Georgia Young Photography
A forward-running style should see him settle just behind the leaders, including Ka Ying Rising and Mazu. He’s likely to be right in the finish again - expect the big grey to be dashing late, he looks a big chance.
Mazu
7-year-old gelding, Maurice (Jpn) x Chatelaine (Flying Spur)
A late call-up to the G1 The Everest after Private Harry was ruled out, Mazu steps in as Yulong’s representative - and fully deserves the opportunity.
Mazu | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
The Triple Crown Syndications sprinter is just shy of $10 million in earnings and will surpass that mark with a top-six finish. A multiple stakes winner, he’s already placed in the 2022 The Everest and won the G1 Doomben 10,000.
He was third last start behind Briasa and Jimmysstar in the G2 Premiere Stakes. He’s not quite the force he once was, but he will roll forward and make them earn it.
