Michael Hawkes, co-trainer of leading Australian sprinter Briasa, welcomes Ka Ying Rising’s presence in the AU$20 million (approx. HK$101 million) G1 The Everest on Saturday (18 October) at Royal Randwick in Sydney, Australia, but warned the world’s richest turf race is not a “one-horse race.”
Bidding to provide businessman and passionate racehorse owner Mr Leung Shek Kong of the Ka Ying Syndicate with defining international success this weekend, Ka Ying Rising has dominated pre-race discussions after compiling a 13-race winning streak in Hong Kong, crowned by record-breaking performances over 1200m at Sha Tin.
But Hawkes, who trains in partnership with his father John and brother Wayne, believes Briasa could foil the ambitions of Mr Leung, David Hayes and Zac Purton of Ka Ying Rising becoming Hong Kong, China’s first winner of The Everest.
“It’s never been a one-horse race in our opinion and we’ve just got him peaking right on the day,” Hawkes said of Briasa, spectacular last-start winner of the G2 Premiere Stakes (1200m) at Royal Randwick – the gelding’s second course and distance win.
“We believe that we’ve always had the right horse for the race, we’ve believed in this horse since day one. He’s going to be peaking, he worked amazing on Tuesday morning (14 October) and he just seems to be getting better and better and I don’t really know where he’s at, to be honest.
“Ka Ying Rising is a superstar in Hong Kong. It’s great for racing that he’s here but we’ve got a job to do.
“(In the) Premiere Stakes, everyone saw how well he performed. Tyler (Schiller) rode him brilliantly, the speed was hot and he just come up that rise with a lapful of horse. He’s taken great benefit from that and third-up was always going to be when he was going to peak – and we’ve always primed him for that.”
While Ka Ying Rising will start in gate seven – a draw which delighted Hayes – Briasa will jump from barrier 10.
“It’s not ideal. Everyone wants to draw that inside gate – three, four, five – but there’s a lot of speed inside and this race is different. There are no rules,” Hawkes said.
“You can have the best horse in the race but you don’t always win. He (Briasa) is the right horse, we believe in him. So, it will come down to how it’s run, the tempo, jockeys jostling for positions. I know Tyler’s in the zone, we’re in the zone, our horse is in the zone. You’ve just got to keep a straight mind and say ‘Hey, this is what we need to do’ and get the job done.”
Briasa’s two 1200m wins at Royal Randwick have come from barriers two and three, respectively.
Bjorn Baker’s Overpass will make his third appearance in The Everest after finishing sixth in 2022 and 10th in 2023.
The seven-year-old, who finished second ahead of third-placed Ka Ying Rising in a 1000m barrier trial at Royal Randwick last week, is expected to set the pace in The Everest with Mazu after drawing barrier nine.
“He’s a fast horse, we’ll look to use that speed and I think he’s set up to run well. He’s set up to be very quick out of the gates and we’ll use that natural speed on Saturday,” Baker said. “He’s definitely a lot better fresher and we’ve learnt that over time, he’s best when he’s fresh and if he produces his absolute best, he’s not out of it.”
Speaking in Sydney, Mr Leung said: “I appreciate the TAB and the ATC (Australian Turf Club) for helping us to join The Everest. I’m very excited for the race on Saturday, but I’m not too worried about the result, whether we win, run second or worse, it’s just a very big honour to be a part of the race on Saturday.
“I just want to enjoy everything and I hope the horse enjoys the race as well. I’m loving Sydney, the weather is good and not too humid.”
By Leo Schlink in Sydney
