Ka Ying Rising beaten in Everest trial
Ka Ying Rising was edged out by Missile Stakes winner Ninja in his pre-Everest trial at Randwick on Tuesday morning, but connections couldn't have been happier with the world's highest-rated sprinter.
With Zac Purton aboard on a Soft 7, Ka Ying Rising led throughout much of the 1000m trial before Ninja got the better of him late, with the heat run in 59.46 seconds.
Trainer David Hayes pointed to the softer surface and longer grass as factors and believes his superstar is in better shape than at the same stage last year.
“I was happier this year than last year,” Hayes said.
Tempted officially locked in for The Everest
Tempted is officially headed to The Everest, setting up another clash with Ka Ying Rising at Randwick on October 17.
The star mare will attempt to turn the tables on the Hong Kong champion after finishing runner-up to him in last year's Everest.
Aeliana out of Caulfield Cup
Aeliana has officially dropped out of the $6 million Caulfield Cup, with the star mare joining original topweight Sir Delius among the major withdrawals at Tuesday's second declaration stage.
Just 34 horses remain in contention for the October 17 feature.
Saturday's Turnbull Stakes winner Cosmic Crusader remains in the hunt, while defending champion Half Yours was also paid up and now looks set to carry the 57.5kg topweight.
Jimmysstar confirmed for The Everest
Manikato Stakes winner Jimmysstar will take his place in The Everest, with Nash Rawiller booked to ride the four-time Group 1 winner.
Regular jockey Ethan Brown is unavailable as he is committed to Zahrann in the Caulfield Cup on the same day.
Managing owner Ozzie Kheir confirmed contracts with Jimmysstar's slot holder were being finalised and expected to be completed within 24 hours.
Pride Of Jenni heads to King Charles
The next stop for Pride Of Jenni has been confirmed, with the champion mare heading to Sydney for the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes at Randwick on Everest Day.
It means the Cox Plate will not be her next assignment, with connections instead opting for the $5 million Randwick mile on October 17.
Pike returns to Melbourne for big Caulfield book
Western Australian champion William Pike will return to Melbourne on Saturday for a strong book of rides at Caulfield.
Pike will partner Zakouma in the Group 2 Herbert Power Stakes and Rey Magnerio in the Group 2 Schillaci Stakes.
He has also secured the ride aboard Chris Waller's Group 1-winning mare Panova in the Group 1 Toorak Handicap.
Editorial at The Daily Punt, covering Australian racing and sport with an eye for where the value sits.
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