Concerns were unfounded for trainer and jockey after Hong Kong’s star performer, Ka Ying Rising, was defeated by Ninja in a 1000m barrier trial on the Royal Randwick course proper this morning.
Ka Ying Rising, acclaimed as the world’s finest racehorse, shot out of the barriers to take the lead, with Ninja positioned directly behind him.
Purton kept Ka Ying Rising under a controlled rein for a significant portion of the trial. However, he increased the pressure in the straight as Ninja drew level with the champion and narrowly secured the win near the finish.
Hayes suggested that the soft 7 track rating and the longer grass on the outside of the course proper were factors contributing to Ka Ying Rising’s slight defeat.
“I have seen him trial better,” the Hall of Fame trainer commented.
“But the way the track was, the longer grass and the soft ground wasn’t in his favour.
“I noticed he didn’t change legs (in the straight), that’s always an indicator he’s going pretty easy.
“When Zac puts him under a bit of pressure he changes legs and finds a lot. It’s a pass mark today – but not exciting.”
Ninja, a contender for The Everest and ridden by Tommy Berry, edged ahead of Ka Ying Rising close to the line to win the trial in 59.46 seconds.
Other horses slated for The Everest, including Joliestar, Headwall, and Angel Capital, finished just behind the leading pair.
The trial’s outcome had no bearing on The Everest betting; TAB Fixed Odds continues to rank Ka Ying Rising as the $1.30 favourite, with Tempted at $6, Joliestar at $18, Ninja at $21, Headwall at $26, and Angel Capital at $34.
Purton stated that Ka Ying Rising “needed the hit-out” because the champion sprinter had become too well since arriving at the Canterbury quarantine and training facility two weeks ago.
“He pulled up having a bigger blow than what he did from his race recently,” Purton said.
“But the softer ground, the time between runs, it gets him back into his routine, gets him familiar with what’s going on here and we saw last year how much that helped him on raceday.”
Ka Ying Rising also experienced a trial defeat at Randwick last year, finishing third to Overpass, but subsequently proved too strong for his rivals in The Everest.
Purton firmly believes Ka Ying Rising is an even better sprinter now than he was 12 months ago, but he admitted that a firm track is preferable for the main race.
“I’d prefer him to be on top of the ground, he likes it when it’s a hard and fast deck,” Purton stated.
“As we’ve seen in the trial, and the trial last year, he seems to labour in the softer ground. Let’s hope the sun comes out and stays out.”
Hayes and Purton are in agreement regarding the horse to beat in The Everest, both having been impressed by Godolphin mare Tempted’s commanding performance in the Premiere Stakes last Saturday.
“Tempted could not have had a better lead-up race, I think her win was exceptional,” Hayes said.
“You know she will handle the conditions, she loves Randwick, and she’s a legitimate danger.
“She hasn’t lost since The Everest last year but our horse hasn’t lost, either.”
Purton also highlighted the brilliance of Tempted’s most recent victory.
“She was brilliant the other day, the turn of foot was incredible,” Purton stated.
“She’s going to be hard to beat. She looks like she has improved, I think we have improved a bit as well.
“It’s going to be a strong race, people have been downplaying it and saying there’s not much there. But history tells us it’s the strongest sprint race on the calendar.”
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