Ka Ying Rising draws barrier 11 as Tempted lands the inside gate for The Everest

Defending champion Ka Ying Rising will jump from barrier 11 in Saturday’s $20 million The Everest at Royal Randwick, while second favourite Tempted drew the inside gate.

Ka Ying Rising was the $1.40 favourite before Tuesday’s draw and now has the second-widest gate in the 12-horse field for the 10th running of the 1200-metre Group 1. The Ciaron Maher-trained Tempted, the $5 second favourite, drew one. She also drew one last year, when she ran second to Ka Ying Rising, who started from seven.

In barrier order, Tempted drew one, Angel Capital two, Ninja three, Spicy Martini four, Joliestar five, Headwall six, Savvy Hallie seven, Jimmysstar eight, Blue Door nine, Caballus 10, Ka Ying Rising 11 and Giga Kick 12.

David Hayes said the draw suits Ka Ying Rising because of the loading order.

“Zac (Purton) really didn’t want to draw (gate) one or seven because he goes in first with the way they do it here,” Hayes said. “I’d say Zac will be happy with 11, he goes in late and will jump quickly.”

“Last year he played up from seven because there was a holdup but this year that won’t be a factor.”