Randwick rated Heavy 8 as Hayes raises concerns for Ka Ying Rising
The defending Everest winner has drawn Gate 11 for the A$20 million race, with trainer David Hayes more concerned about the surface than the barrier.
Ka Ying Rising faces a rain-affected surface for his Everest defence, with Royal Randwick rated Heavy 8 on Friday morning. Trainer David Hayes has said that rating would worry him because the horse is unproven in heavy conditions.
Sydney recorded 21.6 millimetres of rain over the preceding 24 hours, taking the weekly rainfall total to 99 millimetres. Further light rain was expected, while organisers hoped an easterly breeze would help the surface dry.
Hayes said he could tolerate track ratings of five, six or seven but was uncertain how Ka Ying Rising would handle heavy going. He was less concerned about Gate 11, saying the horse had won from inside, middle and outside barriers during a run of 21 consecutive victories.
Tempted drew Gate 1, Joliestar Gate 5 and Jimmysstar Gate 8. Ninja will jump from barrier three, while Blue Door has Gate 9.
Ka Ying Rising won last year's Everest from Gate 7. He is seeking to become the race's second dual winner after Redzel, who won in 2017-18. The rail is set three metres out, matching last year's position.
