Briasa and jockey Tyler Schiller will again have to overcome a wide draw when they line up against Hong Kong’s unbeaten star Ka Ying Rising in the $20 million The Everest at Randwick, but the young rider isn’t fazed.
After jumping from the outside barrier in The Galaxy earlier this year and storming home from last to finish fourth, Schiller said Briasa is now fitter and ready to take up a more prominent position from barrier 10.
“He’s into his preparation this time, he’s not first-up, so I have no fears about using him a bit early to be in his position,” Schiller said.
“The closer he can be the better. Hopefully not absorbing all the pressure but somewhere around the mark where he can strike.”
A proven performer over the Everest trip, Briasa has already captured the TJ Smith Stakes in the autumn and the Premiere Stakes this spring, confirming his credentials as one of Australia’s elite sprinters.
Ka Ying Rising, meanwhile, brings a formidable record to Randwick, having won his past 13 races in Hong Kong and earning the mantle of the world’s best racehorse. However, his only local appearance — a recent trial — ended in defeat, leaving some questions about how he’ll handle Australian conditions.
“He is definitely beatable,” Schiller said.
“It’s just whether he gets in his comfort zone or not, whether he loves the track, the conditions, pressure from the other speed horses.
“He is the top-rated sprinter in the world so it’s hard to go past him and he’s going to be hard to get past.”
Despite being a $16 chance against Ka Ying Rising’s $1.70 quote, Schiller remains upbeat about his chances, having formed a strong partnership with Briasa across 12 starts and six wins.
“He’s flying,” Schiller said. “He blew out a bit first-up but second-up I didn’t feel any signs of weakness. He felt like he was still powering through the line. He is a one-of-a-kind horse and I’m glad to be the one on him.”
Punters looking to back Briasa or explore the latest Everest markets can find odds and promotions through Australia’s leading betting sites, the most searched online platforms for horse racing during the spring carnival.
