Hayes expects Ka Ying Rising to ‘run fast time’ despite being short of peak

Trainer David Hayes is excited for Ka Ying Rising’s return on Sunday. Photos: Kenneth Chan

He might have room to improve ahead of his tilt at The Everest next month, but David Hayes expects Ka Ying Rising to “run fast time” when the superstar sprinter makes his much-anticipated return at Sha Tin on Sunday.

Bidding to become the first ever two-time winner of the Class One HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup (1,200m), Ka Ying Rising will use the season-opening feature as a springboard to the A$20 million (HK$102 million) The Everest (1,200m) at Randwick on October 18.

Hayes said the world’s best sprinter won’t be at his peak on Sunday, but the Australian handler expects his star power to shine once again as he builds towards his upcoming overseas target.

“He’ll saddle up a little bit bigger than he normally does, but I’m treating it as a positive,” Hayes said of Ka Ying Rising, who warmed up for his return with two slashing trial wins at Sha Tin.