David Hayes will focus as much on behaviour as performance when Ka Ying Rising contests a barrier trial at Randwick Racecourse in Sydney, Australia on Tuesday (6 October) as the world’s highest-rated horse prepares for his defence of the AU$20 million (approx. HK$108.9 million) G1 The Everest (1200m) on 17 October.

Hayes is confident Ka Ying Rising will handle next week’s barrier trial outing in a far more composed manner than last year when his pre-trial antics concerned both the dual Hong Kong champion trainer and jockey Zac Purton before the superstar gelding ultimately defeated Australia’s best sprinters to become the first overseas horse to win the world’s richest turf race.

“He has substantially settled in a lot better than last year and he’s improved since last year, which is reflected in the fact that he’s now a higher-rated horse,” Hayes said.

Zac Purton will travel to Sydney to partner Ka Ying Rising in a crucial barrier trial.

Zac Purton will travel to Sydney to partner Ka Ying Rising in a crucial barrier trial.

Ka Ying Rising finished third behind Overpass and Linebacker in last season’s corresponding barrier trial over 1000m and will next week face five horses who are entered in either the G1 The Everest and the G1 King Charles III Stakes (1609m), which is also run on 17 October.

On Tuesday, he will trial against three potential The Everest rivals – Joliestar, Angel Capital and Ninja – while Amazing Journey and Apocalyptic have been entered for the King Charles III Stakes.

Having guided Ka Ying Rising to a Hong Kong record 21 consecutive wins and an international rating of 135, Hayes will pay close attention on Tuesday to the champion sprinter’s demeanour.

“I want to see him trial like he does in Hong Kong. He doesn’t have to win, but he probably will,” Hayes said.

“I want him to stretch his legs, have a look at Randwick and get used to the surroundings. I want him to get used to being at the racecourse Australian-style – not Hong Kong. It’s just basically a dress rehearsal and I can’t imagine him not trialling very, very well.”

Ka Ying Rising exercises at Canterbury Racecourse, Sydney.

Ka Ying Rising exercises at Canterbury Racecourse, Sydney.

Ka Ying Rising is stabled at Canterbury Racecourse, which is approximately 13.5 kilometres from Randwick. Nine-time Hong Kong champion jockey Purton will partner Ka Ying Rising in Tuesday’s trial, which is scheduled for 9am (6am Hong Kong Time). The barrier trial will be broadcast live on the Club’s online platforms.