‘He had a good blow’ – Ka Ying Rising on song for second Everest 

David Hayes and Zac Purton are confident Ka Ying Rising is better than he was this time last year as the world’s highest-rated sprinter builds up to his Everest defence.

The Hong Kong champion barrier trialled on the Randwick course proper over 1000 metres on Tuesday in a “cut and paste” preparation ahead of next week’s richest race on turf, with his trainer and jockey leaving the track with fewer concerns than in 2025.

Ka Ying Rising, who has set four track records in succession this calendar year, was allowed to use his customary early speed to lead the trial by Purton before being held together over the final 150m.

Rival Everest runner Ninja, who sat just off Ka Ying Rising, closed nicely to narrowly win the heat by 0.18 lengths with Apocalyptic a further 2.7 lengths away in third on an unfamiliar soft 7 track for the Hong Kong star.

Ka Ying Rising ran third in the corresponding barrier trial last year behind Linebacker and Overpass, setting off alarm bells for some punters and pundits.

Twelve months on, Ka Ying Rising again sweated up profusely as he went onto the track and behind the gates, but Hayes played down any concerns about the sprinter’s mannerisms and believes the public gallop will help his fitness going into Saturday week’s Everest.

“He had a really good look around, as he did last year, and I think the longer grass and the soft surface was not ideal, but it was (a) good (trial),” Hayes told Sky Racing.

“He had a good healthy blow, a good sweat, and it will bring him on a lot, I think. I was happier this year than last year.

“The thing about the sweat is that he sweated a lot less this year, and I expect on race day, he’ll be much calmer.”

A winner of his past 21 starts and 22 of 24 career runs, the New Zealand-bred six-year-old gelding pleased Purton.

“I think he handled himself better in the trial this morning (than he did last year),” Purton said. 

“He got around there with a little bit more purpose and I liked it when the other horse (Ninja) came to him. He wanted to fight with it. 

“But we’ll wait for race day to let him go.”

Another Everest runner Headwall finished fifth in the barrier trial while Joliestar, who has run seventh and fifth in the past two runnings of the $20 million race, also rounded out her preparation with a closing fourth under a quiet ride from jockey James McDonald.

Owned by Cambridge Stud, Joliestar is expected to represent the Chris Waller Racing slot in the race while her stablemate Angel Capital, who finished sixth, 3.26 lengths behind Ninja, is also likely to run in Yulong’s Everest slot.

Ka Ying Rising is $1.30 in all-in Everest markets ahead of Premiere Stakes winner Tempted.

Purton was flying back to Hong Kong on Tuesday evening ahead of his engagements at Happy Valley on Wednesday while Hayes will remain in Sydney to monitor Ka Ying Rising’s campaign until October 17’s Everest.

The sprinter is likely to have his final gallop at Canterbury next Monday.

“Like last year, the next 10 days are critical, and we’re looking forward to having a week in Sydney,” Hayes said.

“(My staff) feel that he’s settled in a lot better this year, and they’re confident that he’ll be ready on race day.” 

Purton will return to Australia the day before the race.