With his Everest slot locked away weeks ago, Briasa ($2.25F) justified the faith by landing the $1 million Group 2 Premiere Stakes in style.

Prepared by the Hawkes partnership, the Smart Missile five-year-old unleashed a searing late burst to deny fellow Everest contender Jimmysstar ($2.90) by half a length, with Mazu ($19) a further three lengths back in third. Former headline sprinter Private Harry faded to fifth, beaten 4-1/2 lengths.

Regular jockey Tyler Schiller produced a cool ride, and the turn of foot on display suggested Briasa is tracking perfectly toward the $20 million grand final in a fortnight.

“To give Tyler credit, he just flowed and he’s actually a joy to watch,” co-trainer Michael Hawkes said.

“The part I loved the most was when he stalked and he just kept him in a rhythm.

“He’s just got so much raw talent, he doesn’t know how good he is really.

“Tyler and I had discussions just before he got on the horse and I said just get him to the top of the rise and let him get down and then let him explode, if the race pans out that way.”

Hawkes also tempered talk around Hong Kong star Ka Ying Rising, who has commanded attention since arriving for the Everest.

“It’s not a one-horse race, it never has been,” Hawkes said.

“We’ve been lucky enough to have another grey horse (Chautauqua) we’ve travelled, and I know how hard it can be.

“So for Ka Ying Rising everything needs to go right, he’s in our backyard now.”

Schiller feels there is still untapped upside.

“I think he just keeps learning that little bit more, he’s come back a lot more relaxed than last prep,” Schiller said.

“But I still think there’s more improvement, which is scary.”

Briasa sits on the third line of betting at $11 for the Everest, with Ka Ying Rising dominant at $1.60.

If you’re having a flutter on the Premiere Stakes or the Everest, compare the best betting sites, leading betting apps and trusted Australian bookmakers before you bet.