David Hayes could not have been happier after Ka Ying Rising drew barrier seven for Saturday’s AU$20 million (approx. HK$101 million) Group 1 The Everest (1200m) at Royal Randwick, calling the gate “perfect” for the world’s top-rated sprinter.
“Happy, I just thought not on the complete outside,” Hayes told SKY Racing after a spectacular drone show on Sydney Harbour revealed the draw. “Zac can choose whether he goes right forward or follows the frantic pace.”
The champion trainer believes barrier seven gives jockey Zac Purton maximum flexibility in a race that always features high early speed.
“Zac will jump fast for sure and if the pace is hectic he will back out of it – and some of his best wins have been sitting off the pace,” Hayes said. “If they miss the start and don’t go fast he’ll lead, he is that sort of horse and Zac is that sort of jockey.”
Ka Ying Rising has enjoyed a flawless preparation for the world’s richest turf race, and Hayes was quick to praise the horse’s training base.
“We will find out on Saturday afternoon – he has had a perfect prep and Canterbury is such a pleasure to train out of – I think it is an unfair advantage,” he said.
The Everest (1200m) Group 1 – AU$20,000,000 (HK$101m)
