Dash out, dash home — the plan is set, and the barrier draw could not have been kinder for Ka Ying Rising in the Group 1 Hong Kong Sprint (1200m).

Before the draw, trainer David Hayes was open-minded, but barrier one proved perfect for the local hero’s pursuit of a 16th consecutive victory.

Zac Purton, who again takes the reins, says the gelding has returned even stronger since winning The Everest (1200m) in October.

“He has come back even better… He’s got more muscle and everything that we have seen since we have been happy with,” Purton said.

Both Hayes and Purton believe Ka Ying Rising’s last-start win in the Group 2 Jockey Club Sprint (1000m) may have been his finest performance.

“His asset is his speed… When he’s out there running along, he breaks their hearts,” Purton said.

In the Group 1 Hong Kong Vase (2400m), Al Riffa will seek redemption after a disappointing Melbourne Cup effort, drawing barrier two.

Voyage Bubble faces a tougher task from gate 12 in the Hong Kong Mile (1600m), though trainer Ricky Yiu is content to leave race tactics to Purton.

Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Cup (2000m) shapes as another Romantic Warrior showcase, the superstar drawing barrier two as he chases an 11th Group 1 win.