3 minute read

Simon Dinopoulos on whether the ratings trend matches the hype around Ka Ying Rising.

Already labelled the World's Best Sprinter – sprint sensation Ka Ying Rising is all the focus at Sha Tin on Sunday, but do the ratings nerds agree? 

While I can't speak for all, I'm pretty confident to say that yes, we do. 

A winner of eight of his 10 starts, including his last seven straight, Ka Ying Rising has continually raised the bar, now rated 128. 

The current highest rated sprinter in the world and if his last start is anything to go by, there appears more in store. 

You just can't go breaking Sacred Kingdom's track record with the handbrake up and not be something special. 

Sunday's International Sprint lacks any serious opposition, however all eyes will be on the stopwatch and whether Zac Purton really lets us see what is under the bonnet. 

David Hayes has trained a number of stars throughout his career, but could Ka Ying Rising be the best ever? 

While some may feel we are getting ahead of ourselves, Hayes said he is the best horse he has ever trained to this point (after 10 starts). 

"I've been saying it all week, I haven't handled one as good at the 10-start mark, let's hope I'm saying that at the 30-start mark," Hayes said. 

And longevity is the question he must answer if he is to eclipse Better Loosen Up. 

Since 2000, only six horses have broken the 130 barrier in Australia, a feat Ka Ying Rising will have to achieve if he is to be crowned Hayes' best ever. 

For those playing along at home, Black Caviar, Winx, So You Think, Lankan Rupee, Hay List and Via Sistina are the mighty six. 

Sacred Kingdom notably ran 127 back in 2007 when he broke the Sha Tin 1200m track record before he ran 131 three weeks later in the International Sprint. 

Will history repeat on Sunday? Only time will tell, however Australian racing fans should all be cheering Ka Ying Rising, as if successful, then it appears more and more likely that we'll see him in The Everest next year. 

Racing needs heroes and Sunday's International meeting at Sha Tin could be the starting point of one of Hong Kong's greatest!