David Hayes is confident Kiwi-bred sprinting sensation Ka Ying Rising is primed to continue his barnstorming form in the HK$13 million Gr.1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m) on 19 January after he dominated a 1200m trial at Sha Tin on Thursday morning.

Partnered by regular rider Zac Purton, the Gr.1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) victor sat three-wide early before coasting to the lead and was untroubled in beating Gr.1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m) winner Voyage Bubble by three quarters of length.

The pair cleared out from the rest of the nine-horse trial with Lady’s Choice third, almost eight lengths away, with Helios Express and Galaxy Patch finishing fifth and seventh, respectively.

Confirming plans to chase the HK$5 million bonus on offer for the winner of the Hong Kong Speed Series – the Centenary Sprint Cup, Gr.1 Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) on 23 February and the Gr.1 Chairman's Sprint Prize (1200m) on 27 April - Hayes was delighted with the hit-out.

“We’re very happy with the trial," Hayes said. "He was a little bit fresh before the trial, so this will just settle him down for next week and you couldn’t have asked for more, could you? It was a beautiful trial.

“Zac didn’t move on him and he went through the motions very well with big margins to third and fourth. It was pretty good.”

Seven-time Hong Kong champion jockey Purton was also impressed with the trial as Ka Ying Rising bids to extend an eight-race winning streak.

“With the time between runs, he always gets a little bit fresh and when he's fresh, that's when he gets a bit agitated,” Purton said. “So, the trial's always nice to knock the edge off him a bit and on race day, he's settled his nerves.”