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| Staff Writer |
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Fresh approach for sprint sensation Ka Ying Rising could make his Australian debut in the Gr.1 The Everest at Royal Randwick next October, with trainer David Hayes revealing bold plans to target the US$20 million contest without a preparatory run.
Past glory beckons Previous winners of The Everest include Giga Kick, Think About It and defending champion Bella Nipotina, with the latter two establishing themselves as premier sprinters in the Southern Hemisphere following their victories.
Rising star's meteoric ascent The Hong Kong sensation has captured global attention with eight consecutive victories, including a commanding performance in the Gr.1 Hong Kong International Sprint last month. His remarkable record stands at nine wins from 11 starts.
Distance experiment mooted Hayes is contemplating stretching his stable star to a mile in the coming months, with the Hong Kong Classic Mile under consideration. "From an Everest point of view, if we do go to 1600m this season, then Randwick is six months later so I don't think it is a problem," Hayes said.
The Hall of Fame handler has opted against a Sydney autumn campaign, ruling out a tilt at the Gr.1 TJ Smith Stakes in April. "I'm going to keep Ka Ying Rising in Hong Kong for the rest of the season," Hayes explained. "There are so many good options here for the horse, there is no need to travel overseas with him just yet."
The sprinter's immediate target is the Gr.1 Centenary Sprint Cup at Sha Tin on January 19, with Hayes delaying any decision on securing an Everest slot until July. "There is a lot of interest in the horse but I've told everyone we won't be making any decisions until our season ends in Hong Kong," he said.
In other news, Mr Brightside, trained by Hayes' sons Ben, Will and JD, is being prepared for a Hong Kong expedition next autumn. The US$16.3 million earner will target three Group One races in Melbourne before heading to the Champions Mile at Sha Tin in April.