The HK$4.2 million G3 Sha Tin Vase Handicap (1200m) will be the first Group race run over the distance this season without the brilliant Ka Ying Rising lining up, leaving several of his regular adversaries, including Frankie Lor’s Lucky With You, eager to capitalise on a rare opportunity in his absence on Saturday afternoon (31 May) at Sha Tin.
Ka Ying Rising is the world’s highest-rated sprinter and winner of the 2024 Sha Tin Vase. The dominant force has brushed off all comers in 2024/25 – undefeated across eight appearances by no less than half a length – and won four Group 1 races. David Hayes’ star is currently spelling at Conghua ahead of a planned two-run campaign in Sydney, Australia.
Hayes said: “He’s (Ka Ying Rising) been holidaying and going out into the paddock every day. He starts trotting in the trotting ring next week in his preparation to peak in October.”
Instead, 11 runners hold entries in Saturday’s sprint. Artie Schiller gelding Lucky With You, a dual Group 1 runner-up, is seeking his biggest scalp this weekend after returning two Class 1 victories already in 2024/25. In the midst of a personal-best term in Hong Kong with 41 wins after 74 fixtures, Luke Ferraris takes the reins again on the seven-year-old galloper.