Ka Ying Rising continued his imperious reign as Hong Kong's sprint monarch with a superb victory in the Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup (G1) for trainer David Hayes and jockey Karis Teetan at Sha Tin Feb. 23 as the world's joint highest-rated sprinter landed his third group 1.
Settling outside the leader and last year's winner California Spangle, Ka Ying Rising cruised to the lead entering the straight before rallying late under pressure to resist the charge of the John Size-trained quartet Helios Express, Howdeepisyourlove, Beauty Eternal, and Red Lion.
Recording a slick one meter in :20.33 at his first attempt over 1,400 meters (approx. 7 furlongs), Ka Ying Rising notched his 11th win from 13 starts to secure the second leg of the Hong Kong Speed Series. Having already annexed the Centenary Sprint Cup (G1), Ka Ying Rising will attempt to clinch a HK$5 million (approx. US$643,480) bonus with success in the Chairman's Sprint Prize (G1) at Sha Tin April 27.
Hayes admitted to rare anxiety when Helios Express emerged from a chasing pack to raise a serious challenge at the 200 meters.
"I had a nervous moment at the 200 meters but on the line I think he was holding them very well. It was an enjoyable last 100 meters but a frightening 200 meters," Hayes said. "(Karis) said when he put him under pressure he responded and he felt he didn't have to give him much more.
"He's a very special horse. There should be a lot more to come.
"I have always said he's a miler but he's just such a good sprinter (so) I'm a bit loath to change. They were closer to him at the 1,200 meters than the 1,400 meters. He's got two more races for an undefeated season, or maybe one race if he feels this (race)."
Hayes indicated he would monitor Ka Ying Rising's recovery from Sunday's race before finalizing plans for the Chairman's Sprint Prize.
"He's won ten in a row at basically a month between runs so I'm a bit loath to change if he does well."
Substituting for the injured Zac Purton, Teetan was ecstatic post-race.
"It's unbelievable how this opportunity came up to be sitting on one of the world's best horses. I'm just really thankful that everything worked out well—I think I was just the pilot on him today," the winning rider said.
"He flew out of the gate, I wanted him to use the early speed that he has but sort of dropped my hands and he just came back to me pretty easily and he was waiting for me to press the button and, when I did, he produced really well.
"I want to thank the owner and David and finally Zac. I spoke to him during the week and he was really kind. He said 'Just know you're on the best horse and ride him like that and trust him', so thank you to Zac."
Ka Ying Rising forged through the 400-meter section from 1,200 meters to the 800 meters in :21.67 seconds before clocking :45.46 for the final 800 meters, while fellow group 1 winner Beauty Eternal produced the best final 800-meter split of :44.99.
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