With little more to add about Ka Ying Rising’s brilliance, David Hayes is instead directing attention to the betting markets — where the superstar could jump as short as $1.05 with Australian betting sites.

The world’s top-rated sprinter skipped traditional trackwork at Sha Tin on Wednesday in favour of a swim, symbolic of just how smoothly his preparation is unfolding ahead of Sunday’s Group 1 Hong Kong Sprint (1200m), where he bids for a 16th consecutive win.

Hayes believes the five-year-old has lifted again since returning from Australia, even before his authoritative first-up victory in the Group 2 Jockey Club Sprint (1200m).

“We thought leading into the lead-up race that he had improved after the trip to Australia and I think his form will prove that,” Hayes said.

“I thought that visually what was his best win and his work since has been good.

“He’s in great shape.”

His course proper gallop earlier this week was, according to Hayes, the best he has produced — not because of time but because of his professionalism.

Hayes also noted that the market support speaks for itself.

“There were a lot of people doubting him (in Sydney) and thinking that the Hong Kong form wouldn’t stack up,” Hayes said.

“I really wanted to have him perform well and get the ‘told you so’.

“This time is an unusual feeling. He will probably start $1.00 this weekend and the second favourite will probably be 25-1.

“In an international group one, I think the market tells you that he is very special and the market is a good guide when it is that extreme.”

Hayes will also be represented by Akashvani in the International Jockeys’ Challenge at Happy Valley on Wednesday night, with James McDonald taking over.

“He didn’t have the best of luck last start,” he said.

“He got squeezed out and got laid on in the straight and was only beaten a half-neck.”

If you’re having a bet on Hong Kong’s international features, compare bookmakers at JustHorseRacing’s bookmaker hub.