David Hayes believes Ka Ying Rising is poised for another stellar performance in the upcoming HK$13 million G1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m) on January 19, following a commanding trial win at Sha Tin on Thursday, January 9.

Teamed with regular jockey Zac Purton, the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) champion displayed his signature class over 1200m. Positioned three-wide early, Ka Ying Rising took control effortlessly and claimed victory over G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m) winner Voyage Bubble by three-quarters of a length in 1:10.43. The duo finished well clear of their rivals, with Lady’s Choice trailing nearly eight lengths behind in third.

Hayes expressed his satisfaction with the trial and confirmed Ka Ying Rising's participation in the lucrative Hong Kong Speed Series. The series features the Centenary Sprint Cup, the G1 Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) on February 23, and the G1 Chairman's Sprint Prize (1200m) on April 27, offering a HK$5 million bonus for the winner.

“We’re delighted with the trial. He was a little fresh beforehand, but this run has settled him nicely ahead of next week. You couldn’t ask for more—it was a brilliant trial,” Hayes remarked. “Zac didn’t have to push him, and the margins to third and fourth were significant. He’s in great shape.”

Zac Purton, a seven-time Hong Kong champion jockey, was equally pleased with Ka Ying Rising’s performance, as the sprinter aims to extend his remarkable eight-race winning streak.

“With the gap between races, he always gets a bit fresh, and when he’s fresh, he can get agitated,” Purton explained. “The trial was perfect to take the edge off him. He’s settled his nerves, and he’ll be ready for race day.”

John Size’s Helios Express, who finished a close half-length second to Ka Ying Rising in the LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint in December, will also line up in the Centenary Sprint Cup. Despite finishing fifth in Thursday’s trial, Size remains confident in his horse’s chances.

“He’s not a standout in dirt trials; he just does what’s required,” Size said. “That’s all we expect from him at this stage. His preparation is on track.”

Size is also fielding Beauty Eternal and Red Lion in the HK$13 million G1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m) on the same day. Both horses are being prepared to take on Voyage Bubble, who won the LONGINES Hong Kong Mile.

Beauty Eternal caught the eye in another trial, finishing a close third behind Find My Love. Size described the horse’s condition as solid, saying, “He’s relaxed and seems to be progressing as expected. His preparation is going well.”

Purton echoed this sentiment, adding, “Beauty Eternal is moving and trialing well. He has the talent—it’s just about converting his trial form to race day. He’s making steady progress.”

The excitement builds as Hong Kong’s top sprinters gear up for a thrilling showdown in the Centenary Sprint Cup, with Ka Ying Rising aiming to cement his dominance in the Hong Kong Speed Series.

The next Hong Kong race meeting is scheduled at Sha Tin on Sunday, January 12, starting with the Class 5 Wu Kai Sha Handicap (1200m, dirt) at 1:00 p.m.