His Everest slot was confirmed some time ago, and that decision has been franked with Briasa ($2.25F) taking out a key lead-up in the $1 million Group 2 Premiere Stakes at Royal Randwick. The five-year-old gelding, representing a formidable combination for his slot holder, put in a performance that sent a clear message to his rivals, especially the highly touted international challenger, Ka Ying Rising.
Conditioned by the master Hawkes training partnership, the son of Smart Missile let down with a withering burst in the final 200 metres to hold out rival Everest contender Jimmysstar ($2.90) by a determined half-length. Jimmysstar, who had loomed as the main danger, ultimately couldn’t match the winner’s acceleration. Mazu ($19), the former winner and proven speedster, was no match in third, a further three lengths away, indicating the gap in class to the top two on the day. It was another disappointing performance from former boom horse Private Harry, who weakened into fifth, 4 lengths off the winner, suggesting he may not be up to the elite sprint level this spring.
Steered by usual rider Tyler Schiller, the five-year-old displayed a blistering turn of foot that has become his trademark and looks perfectly primed for the $20 million feature in a fortnight. The pace was genuine, which allowed Briasa to settle mid-field on the rail, conserving energy before Schiller navigated him into clear running upon straightening. The decisive move came when he shifted out to challenge, and the horse responded with the powerful late speed required for a high-pressure sprint.
“To give Tyler credit, he just flowed, and he’s actually a joy to watch,” co-trainer Michael Hawkes said post-race, clearly thrilled with the execution. “The part I loved the most was when he stalked, and he just kept him in a rhythm. He’s just got so much raw talent, he doesn’t know how good he is really. Tyler and I had discussions just before he got on the horse, and I said ‘Just get him to the top of the rise and let him get down and then let him explode, if the race pans out that way.”
The victory was a calculated risk that paid off. By skipping an easier option, the Hawkes team targeted the Premiere, a known stepping stone, to give Briasa the necessary sharp outing against the top company. The pressure of a Group 2 contest ensured he was fully extended without being overworked, a critical balance just two weeks out from the world’s richest turf race.
Hong Kong superstar Ka Ying Rising has been all the talk since landing on our shores in preparation for the Everest, with murmurs of sensational trackwork performances building his hype. However, Hawkes, speaking with the measured caution of a veteran horseman, knows all too well how difficult it is to race on foreign ground.
“It’s not a one-horse race, it never has been,” Hawkes said, addressing the Ka Ying Rising phenomenon. “We’ve been lucky enough to have another grey horse (Chautauqua) we’ve travelled, and I know how hard it can be for them to adapt. The travel, the environment, the different tracks—it all takes a toll. So for Ka Ying Rising, everything needs to go right; he’s in our backyard now, and we’ve got the home-ground advantage and the perfect lead-up run.”
For Schiller, the win cemented his confidence in the horse, and he believes his mount hasn’t yet reached his limit, a tantalising prospect for his slot holder. “I think he just keeps learning that little bit more; he’s come back a lot more relaxed than last prep,” Schiller commented. “He’s matured, and his race sense is getting better with every run. But I still think there’s more improvement, which is scary, considering what he did today. He’s a professional now, but he’s still got that raw fire when you ask him for it.”
Despite Briasa’s impressive win, the shadow of the international raider remains long. Briasa currently sits on the third line of betting for the Everest at $11, having shortened slightly after the Premiere, while Ka Ying Rising remains the prohibitive favourite at the quote of $1.60. The market suggests a two-horse race, but with Briasa now proven at the top level this campaign, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown between the local star and the overseas giant. The next fortnight promises to be a tense wait as both camps put the final touches on their Everest preparations.
– Tully Potts
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