David Hayes laughs off Ka Ying Rising rumours as Tomodachi Kokore shines

David Hayes dismissed rumors that Ka Ying Rising is in doubt for the G1 The Everest after the short-priced favorite drifted substantially in overseas betting markets yesterday.

Ka Ying Rising drifted from 1.8 to as big as 2.9 on the world’s biggest betting exchange overseas as wild speculation on social media suggested the world’s highest-rated sprinter may not run in the 1,200-meter contest in Sydney on Saturday.

“It’s ludicrous,” Hayes told The Standard from Sydney. “I don’t know where it’s come from because he hasn’t missed a beat since his trial and he’s really come on since then.

“He’s galloping in the morning and I’m sure he’ll work enormous. He’s right on his winning weight and everything is perfect. 

Instead of celebrating the fact that his stable won Class 2 feature at Sha Tin yesterday with Tomodachi Kokoroe, the trainer said he was having to deal with the rumours that were circulating around his stable star.

“I didn’t really get to enjoy Tomodachi’s win,” he said. “I was too busy with this Ka Ying stuff.”

Ka Ying Rising had a final trial before The Everest at Randwick Racecourse on Tuesday. He will gallop at Canterbury Racecourse this morning in a crucial piece of work before the richest race on turf.

“He is in great shape and I’m looking forward to it,” Hayes added.

While Hayes wasn’t able to fully digest the success of Tomodachi Kokoroe on the Sha Tin turf, the seven-year-old’s rider, Harry Bentley, was on hand to soak up the celebrations with connections.

The seven-year-old, who recorded a career-best win at Sha Tin last time out, produced a gritty and determined display to outbattle Lady’s Choice in the closing stages, having travelled three wide throughout.

“I had to cover a bit more ground than ideal, but full credit to the horse because he dug really deep today and stuck his head out to the line,” Bentley said.

“He was a very impressive winner last time out and 10 points is a big hike in the ratings, so I have to doff my cap to him. These races are never easy to come by, so when you come across a horse like Tomodachi, who is in such a rich vein of form, you want to make them count.”

While the galloper was able to sit in a handy spot one off the rail on his last start, Tomodachi Kokoroe settled wide from gate 11 yesterday and had to do it the hard way.

“You always need the horse underneath you to want to stick his neck out for you and I had a very willing partner today,” Bentley added. “It’s a credit to David Hayes and his stable for prepping him and keeping a horse at his age in the form of his life.”

Looking ahead, Tomodachi Kokoroe, who won yesterday’s contest off a rating of 94, will return to Sha Tin for the G2 Premier Bowl over the same distance on October 26.