The Everest 2026 Preview: Can Ka Ying Rising Overcome Barrier 11 at Randwick?

Ka Ying Rising has the class to defend his Everest crown, but barrier 11 of 12 and an uncertain surface complicate the decision for anyone backing him at a short price. Zac Purton stays aboard as the Hong Kong champion seeks a 22nd consecutive victory.

The Everest is scheduled for 07:15 SAST on Saturday, 17 October, equivalent to 16:15 AEDT in Sydney. Royal Randwick’s seventh race is a Group 1 weight-for-age contest over 1,200m, carrying A$20 million in total prize money.

Purton has a route across from barrier 11

After Daryz’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe victory, another international star commands attention. Ka Ying Rising leads the latest IFHA world rankings on 135. His winning sequence makes him the clear form benchmark, although neither that rating nor last year’s Everest success removes Saturday’s conditions question.

Purton’s assessment of the draw centres on Blue Door. Drawn nine, she’s expected to show early speed, with trainer Bjorn Baker confirming she’ll be ridden positively. Purton hopes to cross with her and secure a forward position. That offers a plausible solution to gate 11, provided the champion doesn’t spend too much energy getting there.

The confirmed Everest field and barriers

The official final field lists these 12 starters. Friday’s published scratchings contain no withdrawals from The Everest.

Overpass, Charm Stone, Skybird and Marhoona are the four emergencies, rather than additional starters.

Randwick is Soft 7, with showers still possible

Racing NSW’s official track report, updated at 14:26 AEDT on Friday, lists Soft 7 with the rail three metres out throughout. That’s 05:26 SAST. Earlier Heavy 8 reports have been superseded, but possible overnight and morning showers could interrupt further drying.

David Hayes has acknowledged that genuinely heavy ground would present a new challenge for Ka Ying Rising’s low racing action. Purton also regards the surface as the greater uncertainty. A drying track would strengthen the favourite’s case; renewed rain would make accepting a very short price harder to justify.

The draw and going also interact. Racing wide without cover can cost ground and energy, yet an outside position could help if the inside lanes become worn. Watch the earlier races before assuming either the rail or the outside is automatically best.

Tempted leads the place alternatives

Tempted has the most persuasive place profile. Last year’s runner-up has five wins and a second from six starts over this course and distance, and arrives after a decisive Premiere Stakes victory. Barrier one offers an economical passage, although Chad Schofield will need room when the leaders accelerate. Her wet-ground credentials matter if drying stalls.

Jimmysstar returned with a Manikato Stakes win and finished third in the 2025 Everest despite racing wide without cover. Gate eight gives Nash Rawiller another positioning decision, but his recent Group 1 form supports treating him as a serious challenger rather than relying solely on last year’s placing.

Joliestar has gate five and James McDonald, with a first-up Shorts second following her autumn T.J. Smith Stakes victory over this course and distance. She belongs on the place shortlist. Giga Kick brings a 2022 Everest win and second in 2024, but gate 12 adds a fresh tactical obstacle to the veteran’s task.

Ninja’s recent trial defeat of Ka Ying Rising on Soft 7 gives him a conditions angle from gate three. It doesn’t establish superiority in a championship race: his latest race effort was ninth in The Shorts. Blue Door’s 51kg and early speed make her influential to the race shape, but this is her first attempt at 1,200m.

The Betting Read

Win selection: Ka Ying Rising, with greater confidence if the surface improves. His class and tactical speed can offset gate 11, but the available price must compensate for the remaining ground uncertainty. Being the likeliest winner doesn’t make every short quote worth taking.

Place alternative: Tempted. A place-only bet avoids paying for a separate win stake against the world’s top-rated horse. Each-way remains an option if the win price and place terms justify both stakes; check how many places your operator pays. Our sports betting overview explains comparing markets. Recheck the official going and withdrawals before Saturday’s 07:15 SAST start.

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