Ryan Moore will not be riding on Champions Day in Hong Kong on Sunday, but the leading jockey will be closely watching the world's highest-rated horse, Ka Ying Rising.
The David Hayes-trained five-year-old has captured the attention of the racing world every time he steps onto the track. The superstar sprinter is all but certain to secure his 20th consecutive victory in the Group One Chairman's Sprint Prize at Sha Tin.
Writing in his World Pool blog, Moore placed the Hong Kong speedster at the pinnacle of sprinting, even above the legendary Australian mare Black Caviar.
“I think he's the best sprinter I've seen,” Moore said. “Maybe Black Caviar, that would be an interesting race, but I think he's probably the best I've seen.”
Ka Ying Rising faces a field of seven rivals, including Donnacha O'Brien's Comanche Brave, in the six-furlong contest. However, if past performances are any guide, they all appear to be competing for second place.
“Barring him falling over, nothing will beat Ka Ying Rising,” Moore added. “He's been impressive on every one of his starts and broke another track record last time. He looks a better horse every time I see him.
“David Hayes has done a great job, and Zac Purton rides him beautifully. It's very hard to find a way that he's going to get beaten. He's a proper champion.”
Ka Ying Rising has already broken the six-furlong track record three times, but jockey Zac Purton, who has ridden him to all but one of his 20 career wins, was quick to dismiss suggestions of another record on Sunday.
“Last start, he just happened to break the track record because of the wind and the way the race was run,” Purton said. “You can't break a track record unless it is set up for you.
“He seems to go very close to breaking the track record even when the race isn't run at those fast sectionals.”
Purton reportedly receives hundreds of messages each week urging him to crack the elusive 1m 06s barrier. While that might happen one day, fans may have to wait beyond Sunday.
“I would like him to win without going right to the bottom of the barrel, then he can have a nice break without feeling that he is empty,” Purton said. “If it is there to be done, I won't disappoint him. I'll let him do his thing.”
Track record or not, one thing is certain: if Ka Ying Rising makes it 20 wins on Champions Day, he will bring the house down at Sha Tin.
