Odds-on Everest favourite Ka Ying Rising has immediately firmed in price after being drawn barrier seven for Saturday’s $20 million feature sprint.
The Hong Kong sprinter got the ideal middle barrier for the race, allowing him to sit off the pace if he and jockey Zac Purton should please, with one of the likely leaders drawing outside of him, with Overpass in nine.
Godolphin filly Tempted drew barrier one, while Mazu, who is also likely to press forward, will come from barrier two.
The two main rivals to Ka Ying Rising in the market, Briasa and Jimmysstar, both drew wide in 10 and 11.
Ka Ying Rising, who was initially $15 when markets opened after last year’s race, has been odds-on ever since he was granted a slot in June.
His presence in the race has created unprecedented betting interest, with TAB reporting twice the hold on the race than at the same stage last year.
Prior to his trial last week, he was as short as $1.50, but he drifted throughout last week, and as rumours swirled on Sunday that all not be right with the Hong Kong star, TAB briefly shut markets, to seek clarification from stewards as to his participation.
He touched as much as $2.60 on Betfair, but the money has since flowed back to him. He was $1.70 before the draw and is now $1.60 with TAB.
The stage is now set with the #TABEverest barrier draw complete - our 12 runners have collected over $54 million in prizemoney between them. What a race it will be! pic.twitter.com/VEcSW4RKBc
— Racing NSW (@racing_nsw) October 14, 2025
Joliestar, who drew five, is now second favourite at $8, while Jimmysstar drifted to $11 and Briasa $13.
“Zac will jump fast, for sure. And if the pace is hectic, he'll back out of it,” Hayes said.
“Some of his best wins have been sitting off the pace. His most impressive wins have been sitting off, but if they miss the start and don't go fast, he'll lead. He's that sort of horse, and Zac's that sort of jockey.”
Tim Rowe
Hayes said the stable had come up with a plan to ensure Ka Ying Rising didn’t get overawed by the capacity crowd expected on Saturday, admitting the sprinter did not handle the recent barrier trial well.
“He got stirred up and quite upset, but I think we know where we're going to take him if he gets upset. We've worked out there's an area around the back where Winx used to go,” he said.
“Of course, we'd love to show him off to everyone before the race. There'll be plenty coming down to see him, and we'll try and have him in that area. But if he's stirring up, we know where to go, and we'll keep him calm.”
