Horse racing news: Ryan Moore says Ka Ying Rising is the best sprinter he has ever seen, ahead of Champions Day at Sha Tin

World Pool ambassador Ryan Moore has given his thoughts on the stars set to grace the turf at Sha Tin for Champions Day, on Sunday, April 26.

The bill is headlined by the top two horses in the world, Ka Ying Rising and Romantic Warrior.

Ka Ying Rising is currently undefeated in his last 19 starts, a record spanning back to January 2024.

The five-year-old has broken records over six and seven furlongs and is on the cusp of a second unbeaten season.

To do so, he must defeat Santono Reve again and land a second Chairman’s Sprint Prize.

Afterwards, Romantic Warrior bids to win the Hong Kong Triple Crown and land an astonishing 14th Group One success.

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Race five – Chairman’s Sprint Prize (G1)

Moore has ridden some fast horses in his career but he believes that Ka Ying Rising is the best sprinter he has ever seen.

“I think he’s the best sprinter I’ve seen,” said Moore. “Maybe Black Caviar, that would be an interesting race, but I think he’s probably the best I’ve seen.

“Barring him falling over, nothing will beat Ka Ying Rising.

“He’s been impressive on every one of his starts and broke another track record last time. 

“He looks a better horse every time I see him.

“David Hayes has done a great job, and Zac [Purton] rides him beautifully. 

“It’s very hard to find a way that he’s going to get beaten. 

“He’s a proper champion.”

Race seven – Champions Mile (G1)

Moore knows all about good Japanese milers – having partnered Maurice to win the Hong Kong Mile 10 years ago – and he believes another Japanese star will take victory again.

“Jantar Mantar has the best form, is nicely drawn and if he is at his best is clearly the one to beat,” said Moore.

“He was disappointing on his previous Hong Kong start though he did have excuses.

“Voyage Bubble is back to his favoured conditions and can never be ruled out, he is drawn wide but can make his own luck.

“Docklands ran very well here in December, has had a good prep for this and is sure to run his race but will need the race to set up and some luck from the inside draw.

“Lucky Sweynesse has been suited by the step up in trip, he has a nice draw and should get his chance.

“Strauss was a good winner in the UAE. 

“He doesn’t always do things right in his races and tends to over race. 

“He needs to relax and find some space. 

“He has the talent but is another that will be at the mercy of the pace.

“Invincible Ibis was good in the Hong Kong Derby but this will give us a better indication of his abilities.

“Last year’s winner Red Lion is reliable but this will be tougher for him.

“It’s a competitive race, and one where I’d probably forgive Jantar Mantar his previous Hong Kong start. 

“If he transfers his best Japanese form, he sets the standard.”

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Race nine – Queen Elizabeth II Cup (G1)

Moore is more than adept at riding champions and Hong Kong legend Romantic Warrior is the one he would be siding with.

Although, he is wary of the challenge of Japanese star Masquerade Ball.

“Romantic Warrior is going to have a test as Masquerade Ball brings very good Japanese form,” said Moore.

“The way Romantic Warrior has been winning on his last few starts since he’s come back this year, it looks like he’s almost improved. 

“If he runs to that level of form, he’s going to be hard to beat on his home turf.

“If he runs to the level of form that he showed the previous year, the Japanese horse would probably beat him.

“Danny [Shum] seems to have him in great shape and James [McDonald] obviously knows him, and knows everything about the other horses too.

“We’ve seen Sosie before and we know he’s capable at this level.

“Royal Champion was very impressive in Saudi and Bahrain.

“Those races weren’t as strong as this one, but he’s an improved horse that I think is solid. 

“He adds another fly to the ointment and means it’s not going to be as straightforward for Romantic Warrior as it has been in the past.

“The track and trip obviously suit Romantic Warrior, but if it turns into a test of stamina, then the Masquerade Ball could have the edge.

“I would still want to be with Romantic Warrior, but it’s going to be a race.”

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