Ka Ying Rising drew barrier 11 for the world's richest turf race with main rival Tempted to come out of the inside gate but Hayes said his champion sprinter has the such natural speed to overcome his wide draw.

But Hayes can do nothing about the weather which heavy rain falling in Sydney during the barrier draw that was held at Luna Park tonight.

"If the track was rated a 5,6 or 7 I can tolerate that,'' Hayes said.

"A heavy 9 I would start to worry, if it got to (heavy) 9 I would s..t myself. I wouldn't know what is going to happen.''

Ka Ying Rising remains a dominant $1.40 favourite with oversea reference odd for The Everest despite his wide draw but Tempted did firm slightly from $5 into $4.50 with Jimmysstar (barrier 8) next at $15.

Ninja (barrier 3), Joliestar (5) and Headwall (6) also drew well while speedy Blue Door is coming out of 9.

There are eight individual Group 1 winners in the field including two previous Everest winners, Ka Ying Rising (2025) and Giga Kick (2022). Angel Capital (barrier 2) is the only entire in the race that also includes six geldings, four mares and also the three-year-old filly Blue Door.

“A leading betting spokesperson Tim Ryan said Ka Ying Rising is the "most wagered-on horse in Everest futures betting history''.

"We are holding nearly $2.5 million on him,'' Ryan said. "That's $2 million in multis and $500,000 straight out.

"He bottomed out at $1.30 but I'm comfortable having him at $1.40 with Tempted the firmer.

"What odds Ka Ying Rising starts at will depend on the track conditions on Saturday.''

Ka Ying Rising is attempting to join Redzel (2017-18) as the only dual winner of The Everest.

TEMPTED winning the PRECISE AIR PREMIERE STAKES at Randwick in Australia.

TEMPTED winning the PRECISE AIR PREMIERE STAKES at Randwick in Australia. Picture: Bradley Photos

Hayes conceded Tempted is looming as the main danger again but he reminded everyone that Ka Ying Rising is a better sprinter now than he was 12 months ago.

"I can't fault his preparation,'' Hayes said. "He's fitter now than he was this time last year and his work has been very good.

"The unknown is a heavy track but if we get a soft 5,6 or 7 then we won't be using the track as an excuse.''