2025 The Everest: Sunshine In Paris to target this year's race as slot deal for Hong Kong's Ka Ying Rising draws closer

News.com.au

18-05-2025

Sunshine In Paris is almost certain to stay in training and be aimed at the Group 1 $20 million The Everest next spring.
And an Everest deal for Hong Kong superstar Ka Ying Rising that will secure his place in the world's richest turf race is also imminent.
John Camilleri, owner of Sunshine In Paris, suggested his outstanding rising six-year-old mare will race on next season after her tough win in the Group 1 Doomben 10,000 last Saturday.
'Sunshine In Paris is not heavily raced, I think she is up to start 17 so she has no 'miles' in her legs,'' Camilleri said.
'So, we are leaning towards another crack at The Everest and maybe the Melbourne Champions Sprint, a race she won last year.''
Sunshine In Paris, trained by Annabel and Rob Archibald, notched the third Group 1 win of her career when she wore down Rothfire to win the Doomben 10,000 in a thrilling finish.
Camilleri revealed winning rider James McDonald told him Sunshine In Paris 'hated' the heavy 8 track conditions at Doomben.
'But she still put in,'' the owner said. 'I thought 100m out she's not going to get there but she did which is testimony to how gutsy she is.''
Too good J-Mac! He lifts Sunshine In Paris to victory in the Doomben 10,000 ðŸ'° @mcacajamez @ANeashamRacing pic.twitter.com/DJaWJwBHJI
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 17, 2025
• 'It really felt like a win': Rothfire's second coming thrills connections
Sunshine In Paris is nominated for the Group 1 $1 million Kingsford Smith Cup (1300m) at Eagle Farm on May 31 but Camilleri said the mare would be sent to the spelling paddock early this week.
Camillieri's Fairway Thoroughbreds holds an Everest slot and Sunshine In Paris will now be aimed at the rich Royal Randwick sprint on October 18.
Sunshine In Paris is currently at $26 in early TAB Fixed Odds betting for The Everest behind Ka Ying Rising at $1.90.
The only confirmed starters for The Everest – Private Harry (slot-holder Yulong) and Briasa (Max Whitby, Neil Werrett, Col Madden) – are $6 and $8 second and third favourite respectively.
Although Everest favourite Ka Ying Rising has not yet secured a slot it is understood an announcement is expected any day.
HE DOES IT AGAIN! 🚀
Ka Ying Rising makes it 12 straight wins, four Group 1s and a HK$5 million Speed Series bonus with victory in the 2025 Chairman's Sprint Prize... @zpurton #FWDChampionsDay | #HKracing pic.twitter.com/IvPSPH9pcn
— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) April 27, 2025
There is speculation the Hong Kong Jockey Club could purchase or lease an Everest slot of its own for a minimum three years and when that deal is signed, Ka Ying Rising will be locked in as a starter.
It makes sense for HKJC to become involved as a slot-holder as the club hosts the World Pool which will be betting on The Everest and Ka Ying Rising's presence in the Randwick sprint will generate considerable interest from Hong Kong punters.
Racing NSW late last week asked for expressions of interest to buy The Star's Everest slot while Australian Turf Club and TAB are other slot-holders who might consider selling or leasing their slot.
Ka Ying Rising, trained by expatriate David Hayes, has won 12 races in succession including the Group 1 Chairman's Sprint Prize at Sha Tin last start to improve his official rating to 126, up from 124.
This moves Ka Ying Rising alongside another Hong Kong champion, Romantic Warrior, on the official world rankings with the pair behind only Japan's Forever Young on 127.