Trainer David Hayes has brushed off any concerns with a wide barrier after the world’s best sprinter Ka Ying Rising drew 11 for the $20 million Everest at Randwick.
TAB report to be holding $2.5 million on the gelding, most of that in multi bets, and he has continually firmed from $2.10 after they hit the line when he won last year’s edition.
He is now a raging $1.40 elect and the sole loser on TAB’s books with Tempted ($5) the only other runner given remote winning claims.
Hayes said that Ka Ying Rising’s jockey Zac Purton would be pleased with the usually unenviable gate.
“Zac really didn’t want to draw one or seven, then he would go (the barriers) in first because of the way they do it here,” Hayes said.
“Now, he’s going in last. He can be a little bit touchy in the gates, so I’d say Purton will be pretty happy with that barrier.
“He goes in late, jumps and gets going. In Hong Kong, he goes in late because if you’re one of the favs, you can go in later.
“Zac actually said he really played up before the start (last year) and just nearly went off, waiting too long because there was a hold up.
“This year, I don’t think that’ll be a factor.”
The lone concern in Hayes’ mind is a deteriorating track with rain falling in Sydney during the barrier draw.
Tracks are rated from 1-10 on their condition with the higher number the worse underfoot.
“I think 5, 6 and 7 I can tolerate,” Hayes said.
“8, I’d start to worry. 9, I’d s..t myself.
“I wouldn’t know what’s going to happen (on a Heavy track). No one does. Unless you’re proven on it and we know he’s not, but I’m sure on a dead or a slow (track), I won’t be using that as an excuse.
“They say the Shamus (Award progeny) are better on slow tracks than fast tracks. I can’t imagine him being better, but he won’t be a duffer.”
