Trainer David Hayes, a respected figure in racing, is more apprehensive about the weather forecast than the wide barrier drawn by Hong Kong’s premier galloper Ka Ying Rising for his defence of the Group 1 $20 million TAB Everest (1200m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday.
Ka Ying Rising has drawn barrier 11 for the world’s richest turf race, while key rival Tempted will start from the inside gate. However, Hayes is confident that his champion sprinter’s inherent speed will enable him to overcome the wide draw.
The trainer is unable to control the weather, which brought heavy rain to Sydney during the barrier draw event held at Luna Park.
“If the track was rated a 5,6 or 7 I can tolerate that,” Hayes said. “A heavy 9 I would start to worry, if it got to (heavy) 9 I would s..t myself. I wouldn’t know what is going to happen.”
Ka Ying Rising remains the dominant $1.40 favourite with TAB Fixed Odds for The Everest despite his wide barrier. Tempted, however, firmed from $5 to $4.50, with Jimmysstar (barrier 8) next in line at $15.
Ninja (barrier 3), Joliestar (5), and Headwall (6) also drew well, while the speedy Blue Door will jump from gate 9.
The field features eight individual Group 1 winners, including two previous Everest winners: Ka Ying Rising (2025) and Giga Kick (2022). Angel Capital (barrier 2) is the only entire in the race, which also comprises six geldings, four mares, and the three-year-old filly Blue Door.
TAB Fixed Odds spokesperson Tim Ryan highlighted that Ka Ying Rising is the “most wagered-on horse in Everest futures betting history.”
“We are holding nearly $2.5 million on him,” Ryan stated. “That’s $2 million in multis and $500,000 straight out. He bottomed out at $1.30 but I’m comfortable having him at $1.40 with Tempted the firmer. What odds Ka Ying Rising starts out will depend on the track conditions on Saturday.”
Ka Ying Rising is seeking to join Redzel (2017-18) as the only dual winner of The Everest.
Hayes acknowledged that Tempted is emerging as the primary danger once more, but he pointed out that Ka Ying Rising is a superior sprinter now compared to his form 12 months ago.
“I can’t fault his preparation,” Hayes added. “He’s fitter now than he was this time last year and his work has been very good. The unknown is a heavy track but if we get a soft 5,6 or 7 then we won’t be using the track as an excuse.”
With The Everest field finalised, it’s a great time to check out the latest racing betting markets for this major event.
