A rainy Sydney evening on the harbour at Luna Park provided the backdrop for the barrier draw for the $20million Group I ATC TAB Everest (1200m) on Tuesday evening.
Raging hot race favourite Ka Ying Rising (NZ) is looking to make it back to back wins in the world’s richest turf race and the David Hayes trained gelding drew gate 11.
He has tremendous gate speed and a wide barrier is no real disadvantage for the fastest horse in the world, although if the rain continues and the track slips into the heavy range that would raise a question mark for the champion who has never raced on rain affected ground.
The hope of the local side is Godolphin homebred mare Tempted, who was second in the race last year as a three year-old filly.
The Ciaron Maher trained daughter of Street Boss (USA) is stronger, faster and has not been beaten since this race last year.
Barrier one gives her every opportunity to take down the favourite and a soft track holds no fears for her.
G1 Everest Barrier Draw
1 Ka Ying Rising (Shamexpress) David Hayes / Zac Purton (11) 58.5kg
2. Jimmystar (Per Incanto (USA)) Ciaron Maher / Nash Rawiller (8) 58.5kg
3. Giga Kick (Scissor Kick) Clayton Douglas / (12) 58.5kg
4. Angel Capital (Harry Angel (Ire)) Chris Waller / Ben Melham (2) 58.5kg
5. Caballus (I Am Invincible) Bjorn Baker / Tim Clark (10) 58.5kg
6. Headwall (Dream Ahead (USA)) Mattthew Smith / Kerrin McEvoy (6) 58.5kg
7. Ninja (Farnan) Michael Freedman / Tommy Berry (3) 58.5kg
8. Joliestar (Zoustar) Chris Waller / James McDonald (5) 56.5kg
9. Tempted (Street Boss (USA)) Ciaron Maher / Chad Schofield (1) 56.5kg
10, Spicy Martini (Justify (USA)) Toby Edmonds / Taylor Marshall (4) 56.5kg
11. Savvy Hallie (Hellbent) Brad Widdup / Zac Lloyd (7) 56.5kg
12. Blue Door (Stay Inside) Bjorn Baker / Jamie Melham (9) 51.0kg
