No. 1 Ka Ying Rising

Ka Ying Rising’s trial was underwhelming, but insiders say he’s improved sharply since and looks ready to peak. He’s the best sprinter in the world on ratings, and if he brings his A-game, he’s hard to beat.

No. 9 Joliestar

Each-way value with strong form lines and tactical versatility to improve on her seventh in the race with excuses last year. Could get a soft run midfield and has one of the best hoops in the world – James McDonald – riding. Proven at Randwick, handles pressure, and could be the one to fly home late. She launched her campaign in blistering style, recapturing the brilliance of her Group 1 Newmarket win and putting key rivals to the sword in The Shorts. A sharp trial since has kept her ticking over. She shapes as the most serious challenger to the Hong Kong superstar.

No. 2 Briasa

Has talent but risks getting caught wide. Needs everything to go right in the run but if things pan out for this grey sensation, he’s every hope to win at a track and trip he’s proficient at. Beat them in the Premiere, has proven himself top-class, but the barrier draw hasn’t been kind. He’s still a genuine contender.

No. 3 Overpass

Don’t ignore the tactical map – set to lead and could pinch a top three finish it left alone until the very end. This underrated flyer is the expected pace setter out to control the tempo. Maps well and has the toughness to stick on. A strong play to fill the exotics at a huge price.

• Top 2 – No. 1 Ka Ying Rising
• Top 3 – No. 2 Briasa
• Top 4 – No. 12 Tempted

KA YING RISING (7) is the Hong Kong sprinting machine everyone’s talking about — and with 14 wins from 16 starts, it’s easy to see why he’s the Everest favourite. Trained by David Hayes and ridden by Zac Purton, this four-time Group 1 winner has dominated the 1200m scene overseas and arrives in Sydney with serious form, including a crushing win at Sha Tin last start under 61kg. There’s been some noise about his condition since landing, but Hayes has shut that down and says the horse is spot-on. Barrier seven looks perfect, and with his record, speed, and class, it’s hard to tip against him — Ka Ying Rising could lead them from barrier to box.

BRIASA (10) might be drawn wide, but he’s massive value and a genuine each-way danger in The Everest. Team Hawkes’ flashy grey is flying under the radar yet arrives third-up rock-hard fit with six wins from seven goes at 1200m and proven Randwick form. He’s already knocked off Jimmysstar in the Premiere Stakes and was only a length off Joliestar fresh in The Shorts, so the local form lines stack up. Tyler Schiller sticks, the stable’s confident, and while he hasn’t faced Ka Ying Rising yet, if Briasa lands in the right spot from gate 10, he’s more than capable of shaking things up at a juicy price.

TEMPTED (1) looks a cracking value place chance in The Everest, with just 51kg on her back and a dream draw in barrier one. Maher’s classy filly has been ultra-consistent, and while no filly’s ever won the race, she’s got the form to give it a shake. A dual Group 2 winner as a juvenile with a Golden Slipper third to Marhoona, she’s picked up right where she left off this prep — winning the Run To The Rose and placing in the Golden Rose behind Beiwacht. The 1400m stretched her last time, but back to 1200m she’s right in the mix, and with Craig Williams aboard, she’ll get every chance to run into the money.