Ka Ying Rising unrivalled in Sprint Cup win
HONG KONG - Delivering a chilling reminder of his extraordinary talent, Ka Ying Rising posted his 11th consecutive victory with a blistering display in the HK$5.35 million (S$921,000) Group 2 Sprint Cup (1,200m) at Sha Tin on March 30.
The world's highest-rated sprinter, Ka Ying Rising ($5.30) demolished his opposition with his usual nonchalance to score by three lengths from Helios Express and Lucky With You. He clocked 1min 8.18sec after being eased down by Purton with 100m to go.
After stalking California Spangle to the 400m, David Hayes' superstar exploded away with a 10.54sec sectional to the 200m to put the contest beyond doubt.
"The leader (California Spangle) didn't go as fast as I was hoping he would go. I travelled a bit stronger than I would have liked and, with the extra weight on his back, I didn't want to sit around and wait for the others," said Purton.
"So I sent him for home early. He was always cruising and didn't give us a moment of worry and that's the good thing about him."
Ka Ying Rising's latest triumph elevated the four-year-old into outright third place for the most wins in a row in Hong Kong behind Silent Witness (17) and Golden Sixty (16).
With 12 wins and two seconds from 14 starts, the Shamexpress gelding continues to thrive ahead of his final assignment of the season - the Group 1 Chairman's Sprint Prize (1,200m) at Sha Tin on FWD Champions Day on April 27.
Following that, he could be targeted for the Group 1 The Everest (1,200m) in Sydney in October.
"It's nice to come back and ride a horse like him," said seven-time Hong Kong champion jockey Purton. "He's a pleasure to do anything with. He's really relaxed going to the gates and behind the gates now. He just does everything you want him to do."
Ka Ying Rising edged to within a win of equalling the record for the most wins in a Hong Kong season and matching the feats of Beauty Generation and Lucky Sweynesse with eight victories.
Said Hayes: "He jumped with them and really controlled the race. Zac thought he could've waited a bit longer but he just thought he'd put it out of the question and he did - it was just wonderful.
"This was a stepping stone because it was a handicap and he had to give five pounds away but the (Chairman's Sprint Prize) is set weights and that's his grand final.
"It's what he's been set for the whole year and if he achieves it, it would be the perfect season."
Back in action after a foot injury on Feb 9, Purton took riding honours with a treble.
His two other wins came aboard the Jamie Richards-trained La Forza ($12) in the Class 3 Harlech Handicap (1,000m) and Benno Yung's Another World ($9) in the Class 3 Lugard Handicap (1,400m).
Meanwhile, homegrown talent Matthew Poon celebrated the biggest win of his riding career by capturing the HK$5.35 million Group 2 Chairman's Trophy (1,600m) aboard Straight Arron for trainer Ricky Yiu.
Savouring a first Group 2 triumph after previously winning at Group 3 level five times in Hong Kong, Poon expertly saved ground with the Fastnet Rock gelding to surprise Galaxy Patch by a head. Moments In Time was another ½ length away in third.
"That's why I am so excited after the line because this is my first Group 2, so I have got to thank the trainer Ricky and the owner for giving me their good support," said Poon, who also scored a brace with the Yiu-trained Mighty Strength ($29) in the Class 4 Severn Handicap (2,000m).
"It's so great I can win on him. Before the race, I already had a feeling I can get something today, so (I'm) really lucky and excited."
Galaxy Patch was blocked for a run in the straight and switched to the inside, rattling into second place with $172 outsider Straight Arron hugging the rails next to him.
The winning time was 1min 34.09sec for the 1,600m race.
Yiu expects Straight Arron to next contest the Group 1 FWD Champions Mile (1,600m) or the Group 1 FWD QEII Cup (2,000m) on April 27, saying: "At this stage, most likely Champions Day over the mile. There're only two options - 2,000 (metres) or mile."
HKJC
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