Aiming to crown an unblemished season with victory in the HK$22 million Gr.1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday-week, New Zealand-bred sprinting sensation Ka Ying Rising produced an almost flawless barrier trial on Thursday morning, delighting trainer David Hayes and jockey Zac Purton.

 Jumping away moderately on Sha Tin’s dirt track, Ka Ying Rising quickly built momentum to lead from the 1000m and eventually won the hit-out by three and a half lengths from HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) winner My Wish in 1m 10.49s. Swift Ascend was third ahead of John Size’s FWD Champions Day aspirants Helios Express (fourth) and Beauty Eternal (seventh).

“He (Ka Ying Rising) jumped, by his standards, a fraction slow and then he gathered incredibly quickly,” Hayes said. “You would call it a perfect trial, his recovery is excellent and hopefully he’s going to finish the season undefeated.” 

With seven wins this campaign, including three victories at Group One level level, Ka Ying Rising will attempt on Sunday-week to match fellow Kiwi-breds Lucky Sweynesse and Beauty Generation’s record of slotting eight wins in a Hong Kong season.

 “He (Ka Ying Rising) has trialled well, as he always does. He pulled up nicely, so we're ready for next week,” Purton said. 

Ka Ying Rising will face last year’s Chairman’s Sprint Prize victor Invincible Sage, Lucky Sweynesse, Victor The Winner, Helios Express as well as Japan’s Satono Reve, Lugal, Danon McKinley and A Shin Fencer, among others, next week.