David Hayes has labelled barrier seven “perfect” for Ka Ying Rising in Saturday’s Group One The Everest (1,200m) at Randwick after Tuesday night’s barrier draw on Sydney Harbour.

While Hayes said on Monday he wanted to be as close to the rail as possible, he certainly wasn’t disappointed when gate seven appeared for the world’s best sprinter during a spectacular drone show.

“Perfect. I was going to be happy with anywhere from four to eight and we got there,” Hayes said.

“Jump fast and get a good position – that’s a good barrier.”

Ka Ying Rising, who won December’s Group One Hong Kong Sprint (1,200m) from gate 11, is expected to either lead or race just off the speed under Zac Purton in the world’s richest race on turf.

“I think Zac can choose whether he goes right forward or follows what could be the frantic pace,” Hayes told Sky Racing.

“Zac will jump fast, for sure, and if the pace is hectic he’ll back out of it. Some of his most impressive wins have been sitting off the pace.

“But if they miss the start and don’t go fast, he’ll lead – he’s that sort of horse and Zac’s that sort of jockey.”

This weekend’s The Everest is the ninth running of the A$20 million (HK$100 million) dash and Ka Ying Rising will have to become the first horse to salute from gate seven if he is to live up to the hype that has welcomed him in Australia.

Long the favourite for The Everest, Ka Ying Rising drifted to as much as $1.75 with some overseas fixed-odds markets after weekend rumours that he might miss the race.

He was tightened back into $1.6 after the barrier draw, with the Chris Waller-trained Joliestar the only other runner in single figures at $8 after scooping stall five.

Ciaron Maher’s Jimmysstar was a big drifter to $12 after landing gate 11, while the Michael, John and Wayne Hawkes-trained Briasa sits at $13 after also being hit with a double-figure draw in 10.

Another Waller-trained runner, Lady Shenandoah, landed gate six and stayed firm at $15, while War Machine, which will see Ben, Will and JD Hayes take on father David, drew well in barrier four and is considered a $17 chance.

Also sitting at $17 in betting are another Waller-trained galloper in Angel Capital and Maher’s second runner in the race, Tempted.

Completing the field are the Bjorn Baker-trained Overpass, Magic Time for Grahame Begg, Joseph Pride’s Mazu and Jedibeel for Brad Widdup.