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Asturia stuns as Ka Ying Rising tastes defeat in big racing weekend
Sport Nation • October 19th, 2026 2:04 pm
Asturia after taking out the Gr.2 Soliloquy Stakes | Photo: Race Images NZ
Asturia delivered somewhat of an upset at Ellerslie, while Ka Ying Rising suffered his first defeat in 25 starts during a dramatic weekend of racing.
Trackside presenter Phillipa Morris told Sport Nation’s Scotty & Izzy that Asturia’s win was a surprise after unbeaten Hawea had been widely expected to dominate.
“It was a real surprise for her just to be out the back and never really looking like she was putting in,” Morris said.
Morris said Hawea may have had an off day, but was not ready to write the horse off. Asturia, meanwhile, has moved into favouritism for the Thousand Guineas after a winning ride from Michael McNab.
The Everest provided another major talking point, with Tempted getting the better of Ka Ying Rising. Morris said the champion’s wide draw and position in the race made the task difficult, while Chad Schofield gave Tempted a well-timed ride.
“He got a second next to his name, which hasn't happened in about 25 starts,” Morris said.
Autumn Glow also impressed with her win in the King Charles III Stakes.
“She just took off,” Morris said. “How good is she? That’s the question mark, right? She’s literally lost one race.”
Kingswood won the Caulfield Cup, but the race was overshadowed by a fall involving Ohope Wins. Morris expressed sympathy for the mare’s connections and said she was relieved the jockeys involved had walked away safely.
Looking ahead, Morris said the Cox Plate and New Zealand Cup were among the major races on the horizon. She also tipped Enfjaar for the Melbourne Cup after his third-place finish in the Caulfield Cup.
“He’d be better for the run, so there’s one for you in the Melbourne Cup at $15,” she said.
Listen to the full interview below:
