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Derby runner-up set to tackle Queen Mother Memorial Cup at Sha Tin

Russain Emperor (Galileo) - who is out of champion Australian racemare Atlantic Jewel (Fastnet Rock) - will be out to secure his first win in Hong Kong when he tackles the Queen Mother Memorial Cup Handicap (Gr 3, 2400m) at Sha Tin on Sunday. 

The son of Galileo (Sadler’s Wells) was last seen finishing second in the Hong Kong Derby (Listed, 2000m) on March 21, having occupied that same position in the Hong Kong Classic Cup (Listed, 1800m) on his previous start. 

“He’s come out of the Derby really well. I gave him an easy time after that and I’ve set him up for this race. He trialled (on 20 April) really well, I’m happy with the way he came out of that trial and it’s looking very positive for the weekend.”

“On his pedigree and on his form overseas, 2400 metres should be fine. Obviously, Hong Kong injects a lot of speed into horses. He showed that last time in the Derby when he was sitting up there in third and fourth whereas before that he couldn’t keep up,” Whyte said.

“It’s going to be a learning test and experience for all of us but the way he’s working he should get the distance.

“I put the blinkers on purely to take hold and focus, and that’s the reason for that, so there’s no worries about him settling.

“It’s more about him showing the turn of foot that he showed last time. You can extend these horses over a distance and sometimes they don’t have the same turn of foot. But he’s got the stamina to offset that.

“If he runs well, he’ll head to the (Standard Chartered) Champions & Chater Cup (on 23 May) and then be done for the season and we’ll look to better things for next season.”

Russian Emperor will jump from gate seven under Karis Teetan.