David Hayes maps final gallop for Ka Ying Rising’s Everest defence

David Hayes will give Ka Ying Rising one final strong gallop before his Everest defence, with the champion sprinter handling his second Sydney campaign more comfortably despite his Randwick trial defeat.

Ka Ying Rising finished a neck behind Ninja on Tuesday and Hayes is happy with the star sprinter’s progress.

“He ate all his feed and trotted up sound and onwards and upwards,” Hayes said on Gareth Hall’s The Wednesday Agenda.

Hayes said the leisurely tempo, long grass and unfamiliar surroundings contributed to the performance, with the gelding looking around away from his preferred position near the rail.

His beaten trial echoed last year’s preparation, when he finished third before winning The Everest.

Zac Purton said Ka Ying Rising blew harder after the trial than after his latest Hong Kong race.

“Look, I expected him to have that blow. That’s why I was in the trial,” Hayes said.

“He’ll have one very strong gallop on Monday to clean him up like we did last year. And I think he’ll be spot on.”

The hit-out followed almost five weeks in quarantine for the winner of 21 consecutive races.

Hayes expects him to return to Hong Kong after The Everest, with slot holder the Hong Kong Jockey Club keen to preserve his preparation for its international races.