Kiwi-bred Ka Ying Rising has rapidly assumed chief position of Hong Kong’s sprinting ranks and on Sunday the 127-rater lines up in the HK$5.35 million Gr.2 BOCHK Private Banking Jockey Club Sprint (1200m) as trainer David Hayes eyes a HK$26 million Gr.1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) challenge for his talented four-year-old next month.

The Shamexpress gelding was arrogant when capturing October’s HK$5.35 million Gr.2 Premier Bowl Handicap (1200m) as 1.3 favourite in 1m 07.57s – the third-fastest winning time in history over 1200m on the Sha Tin turf course – by a cosy one and a half lengths.

Only Sacred Kingdom (1m 07.50s in 2007) and Lucky Sweynesse (1m 07.55s in 2022) have won quicker than Ka Ying Rising over the track and trip. Aethero (1m 07.58s in 2019) and Royal Delight (1m 07.60s in 2007) hold the fourth and fifth best times, respectively, while Lucky Patch (1m 07.61s in 2021) is the only other horse to break below 1m 07.70s.

Ahead of his second Group Two test, Ka Ying Rising cruised through a barrier trial at Conghua last Friday (8 November), finishing an untested first in 1m 11.95s over 1200m on the grass.

“Karis (Teetan) was very happy with him. He had a nice and smooth trial at Conghua. He wasn’t being tested but it was good, and it’s the same routine I’ve done with him for the last few races. I’d say he’s as good as his last run,” Hayes said.

California Spangle, Victor The Winner, Invincible Sage, Lucky With You, Flying Ace, Howdeepisyourlove, Mugen, Helios Express, Beauty Waves, Copartner Prance and Majestic Knight also hold entries for Sunday’s dash at Sha Tin.

“I think the conditions get better every time. He’s gone from carrying the big weight, giving 20 pounds to everyone, now to set weights – it’s more to his advantage now,” Hayes said.

Ka Ying Rising is aiming to follow Lucky Patch (2021), Hot King Prawn (2018) and Mr Stunning (2017) as the fourth horse to complete the Premier Bowl-Jockey Club Sprint double in the same season since 2007, when the Jockey Club Sprint (formerly the International Sprint Trial) was extended in distance to 1200m.

“I thought the trial looked a little bit better than his easy trial (on 10 October) before his last race. It’ll be the same group of horses, so he’ll be favourite and he should be,” Hayes said.

Ka Ying Rising was last season acclaimed Hong Kong Champion Griffin and Most Improved Horse for Hayes – who is a two-time Hong Kong Champion Trainer (1997/98 & 1998/99).

An injured Lucky Sweynesse (132) is the only other Hong Kong sprinter to locally rate higher than Ka Ying Rising, while California Spangle currently boasts a mark of 126.

The LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint is run at Sha Tin on 8 December at the HK$126 million LONGINES Hong Kong International Races. Hayes won the race in 2002 with All Thrills Too.