3 minute read

The Highway Handicap shapes as a handy target for in-form colt Emperor.

Relishing a recent tree change, Emperor will make a hit-and-run visit to his former home of Sydney where trainer Matt Dunn hopes the superbly bred colt can continue to build on his record and confidence. 

By star sire I Am Invincible out of Group 1 placed mare Jolie Bay, Emperor showed early signs of living up to his pedigree with a debut third behind Sejardan in the 2021 Breeders' Plate at Randwick. 

City placed at his next start before finishing midfield in Xtravagant Star's Inglis Millennium, Emperor was spelled with a view to the spring before a barrier trial mishap last August put paid to Dunn's plans. 

"He fractured his pelvis in a trial at Rosehill and that's why he had so long off," Dunn said. 

"Then he transferred here (to Murwillumbah) and he seems to enjoy the environment.  

"His head seems to be in a better space than what it probably was in Sydney so he's going to be a nice horse for us in the future."  

Emperor was trained out of Sydney during the early part of his career before moving to the NSW Northern Rivers hamlet of Murwillumbah when Dunn returned to his country base last year. 

The three-year-old wasn't far away when resuming on the Kensington track in April, then struck form at his next two appearances at Doomben with a brace of comfortable wins to earn another trip south for the TAB Highway Handicap (1100m) at Rosehill on Saturday. 

"He was good winning his maiden and he was better at Doomben (last start) because he led and got softened up early," Dunn said. 

"They made him work pretty hard, but he was dominant again. 

"He is still a bull and he has just needed time but he's a decent horse going forward for sure." 

Apprentice Zac Lloyd will reduce Emperor's impost to 59kg and while he has drawn awkwardly in barrier 14, he will come into gate nine if the emergencies don't run. 

The colt will be Dunn's second Highway Handicap runner since the trainer became re-eligible for the country-restricted races having served a six-month grace period following the closure of his Sydney stable.