Hayes’ talented runner on the rise

He Jion

The exciting new Hong Kong racing season is set to kick off on Sunday with a 10-race card, headlined by the Class 1 HKSAR Chief Executive Cup over 1200m.

David Hayes’ talented four-year-old, Ka Ying Rising, is one to watch in this feature. With an impressive record of five wins and two seconds from seven starts, he established himself as arguably the best youngster last season. Ka Ying Rising was last seen clinching his fourth consecutive victory in the Group 3 Sha Tin Vase (1200m) in early June, where he comfortably defeated a high-caliber field, including Victor The Winner, Mugen, and Flying Ace, by 1.25 lengths.

Ka Ying Rising has trialled impressively ahead of his return, though carrying 135lb poses a challenge on paper. Nevertheless, with champion jockey Zac Purton in the saddle, this weight disadvantage could be mitigated, making him a strong contender in the race.

Impressive debut winner Fast Network can go back-to-back in the Class 4 Handicap over 1000m at Sha Tin this Sunday.

Before his debut in June, Fast Network was well-prepared with several trials, showing above-average ability and travelling strongly under restraint. The son of Wrote confirmed his trial form with a facile debut win over the 1000m straight course, stalking the leader before drawing away effortlessly in the final stages to score by 1.25 lengths.

After a 92-day break, Fast Network produced another eye-catching trial, making all to win by 1.25 lengths, suggesting he is ready and looks primed for a double in Class 4.

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Go Go Go looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form, he looks the one to beat with Purton aboard. Joyful Prosperity still a maiden galloper but gets his chance to win in Class 5, keep safe. Leather Master had genuine excuses last start and worth considering, his winning chance will be enhanced if they overcook in front. Casa Legend needs a fast early speed to produce a big finish. Verbier showed improvement at a recent trial, he could surprise at value with the drop in class and the apprentice claim.

Race 2: Smart Leader has a great record in this class and looks on track to return to the winner’s list with the drop in class and Purton taking the reins. Super Elite was an easy last start winner and must be respected as he remains in the same class. Lucky Quality did not disgrace at his last run and he could surprise at value with the apprentice claim. Tattenham turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly, keep safe. The Good Deal a proven performer at this level and rates in the chances.

Race 3: Ka Ying Rising promising galloper who is on a winning streak of four and can continue his winning ways despite carrying top weight. Flying Ace turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly, he can make his presence felt under the right race shape. Beauty Waves has been consistent since day one and is well weighted to run a big race here. Lucky With You hard to catch but has ability, consider if his odds offer value. Packing Treadmill has tactical speed and will give them something to chase if given a soft lead.

Race 4: Fast Network impressive debut winner who has since trialled well, a double looks well within his reach as he remains in Class 4. Cheval Valiant likes to jump and run and will race handy, he could be hard to run down if the race unfolds to his favour. Colourful Winner holding form with recent good trial and draws well over the straight course. Metro Warrior old-timer who is always capable of surprising in Class 4. Glorious Expert with a 10-pound claim from Britney Wong, he may secure a Top 3 finish.

Race 5: Super Bonus winner of last two starts and is primed for a hat-trick of wins in Class 4. California Deeply down in grade and trialled very well recently, worth considering with Purton aboard. My Wish narrowly beaten last start and he should be highly competitive in a race of this nature. Super Legends has ability but is inconsistent, he can upset some more fancied rivals on best form. Snowalot generally gets back in the running but dashes strongly home, so his performance will largely depend on the pace.

Race 6: Fighting Machine delivered a strong performance when storming home for third last start, he’s edging closer to another win. Forerunner looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. Charity For All charged home strongly to check into third last time out, has to be respected with Bowman taking the reins. Jumbo Legend a proven performer at this level and he should produce an improved effort dropping to Class 4. Amazing Duck had genuine excuses last start and consider again. He could be hard to run down if allowed an uncontested lead.

Race 7: Karma rising in class and meeting better quality horses but can measure up as he appears to have some ratings up his sleeve. Beauty Crescent good performance when storming home for a nice second last start, he is ideally weighted land his first local win. Supreme Lucky recent barrier trial was good suggesting a good run can be expected. Superb Boy recent runs have been encouraging and looks one of the major players. Chiu Chow Spirit last start winner who remains in the same grade, should run well again from a good draw.

Race 8: Ballistic Win nice effort last start when storming home to win by a clear margin, he should play a key role again despite carrying top weight. Family Jewel caught the eye last start when running home well, he looks capable of securing a Top 3 finish from a decent draw. Circuit Mighty racing well with good sectional time rankings recently, he could surprise at value. Gangnam Star rising in class and facing tougher competition, but should still run well as a lightweight chance. Viva Graciousness down in class in this race and should perform better.

Race 9: Geneva placed in all four starts to date, with Bowman aboard, his consistency should be rewarded. Master Mastermind last run was much better than it looks, so it is no surprise to see Purton pick up the ride. First Love last start winner who remains a winning chance after drawing well. Yuen Long Elite scored a tenacious win last time out and has since trialled well, commands respect. Happy For All finished powerfully with fastest sectional time ranking last start, he can make his presence felt if the pace suits.

Race 10: Glory Elite scored two consecutive wins effortlessly in Class 4, looks on track for a hat-trick despite rising to Class 3 for the first time. Captain Win good performance when storming home for third place last start, he can bounce back anytime in this class. Polaris showed big improvement last start and he looks well weighted to make an impact here. Gorgeous Win should be highly suited by the drop back in distance, especially with Purton in the saddle. Kaholo Angel did not disgrace at his last run and must be rated a chance here.