Ka Ying Rising's Everest prep: rhythm over fireworks at Randwick trial

Ka Ying Rising’s countdown to The Everest hits a key checkpoint tomorrow when Zac Purton and David Hayes reunite at Randwick for a barrier trial focused on rhythm and experience rather than fireworks.

The Hong Kong sprint star has been in Sydney for two weeks, based at Canterbury Racecourse’s quarantine facilities in the city’s inner west as he builds toward his overseas debut in The Everest on October 18.

Purton and Hayes will both fly in for the 1,000-meter hit-out against a field stacked with Group 1 talent, including Everest rivals Joliestar and Overpass, plus King Charles Stakes contenders Fangirl, Angel Capital and Mr Brightside.

Hayes will remain in Sydney through to the A$20 million (HK$102.7 million) race, while Purton returns to Hong Kong for Wednesday night’s Happy Valley meeting.

“Just like every other time I’ve ridden him in a trial, I just let him do what he wants to do,” Purton said. “I’m not out there to do anything flash or show them how good he is. It’s all about having him ready for race day.

“If he feels like he wants to do a little bit, I’ll do a little bit; if he’s comfortable and the rhythm is right, I’ll just leave him.”

The gelding’s first look at Randwick is as much about his mind as his muscle. Hayes wants the star sprinter to be ready for the bustle and long wait that comes with a major Australian race day.

“In Hong Kong he just walks in from the stables and goes straight to the races,” the trainer said. “But in Sydney he’ll be standing in the stalls like everyone else for hours before the race. People will be looking at him all day. So Zac wanted to have a practice there, see how he reacts to it all.”

Purton said the trial would help the horse adjust to the noise and commotion that comes with being The Everest’s hot favorite and international drawcard.

“Here he’s in his stable and he walks over at the back of the grandstand until he gets into the parade ring before he sees anyone,” Purton said. “Whereas there, everyone on the course is going to want to have a look at him. It’s going to be pretty busy around his stall – a lot of cameras, a lot of people talking, a lot of action – that’s something he’s got to get used to.”

Although Ka Ying Rising has nothing to prove in the trial, the caliber of tomorrow’s lineup means Purton will be keeping an eye on his opposition.

“It’s a mini-Everest, isn’t it?” he said. “It does give us a chance to see where you are against the others, but at the same time Chris [Waller] is not going to be busting his horses (Joliestar, Fangirl, Angel Capital). Overpass goes pretty quick, and I’d assume Mr Brightside is probably going to be out the back.”

For Hayes, the trial will be a guide to how he approaches the following 11 days.

“The way he trials will be a gauge for me of where he is at,” Hayes said. “He hasn’t lost weight traveling, his gallop on his own was very good. But this is like a junior race – they’re all Group 1 horses, including my sons’ horse Mr Brightside – so it’ll be a really exciting trial. We know what we’ve got. This is about visuals and learning.”

And as for instructions, Hayes will keep it simple.

“Just cruise and let him extend over the last little bit,” he said. “And I’ll just remind Zac there’s no money involved.”