KINGSTON, Jamaica - According to Michael Smith, Carl Anderson’s assistant trainer, Emperorofthecats should remain competitive in his races as long as he stays healthy, active, and runs at the appropriate distances.
Emperorofthecats, who prefers the straight course, outsprinted competitors in the $1.29-million Harlequin Cup feature race on Saturday, May 27, 2023, over five furlongs (1,000m).
Emperorofthecats won the Open Allowance race for three year olds and up by 3 3/4 lengths in 59.0 (23.1 x 45.3). Emperorofthecats is unbeaten on the straight course, having won four times from as many starts. Three of the four triumphs were over five furlongs, with the other at four furlongs (800m).
“It was a very good performance from Emperorofthecats to win here. He made one move, and that was the plan for him, to go right out in front, hold his position well, and make all to win,” Smith said.
“Future plans for him are that, hopefully, he can stay sound and run at the right distance; he should be fine,” he added.
Emperorofthecats, bred, owned, and trained by Carl Anderson and ridden by Richard Henry, pulled away early in the race with Madelyn’s Sunshine (Reyan Lewis), Runaway Algo (Linton Steadman), Yellowstone (Anthony Thomas), and Duke (Dane Dawkins) following.
The racers continued to match strides until they reached the dummy rails, with Yellowstone and Emperorofthecats emerging as the front runners for first place. In the end, Henry kept his horse well balanced on the outside, and Emperorofthecats responded beautifully and drew away for an easy win. Yellowstone came in second, while Duke came in third.
“The instructions coming into the race were to get a clean break at the off, relax him as much as possible, and ride him for the last two furlongs of the race. I did just that, and he was a winner,” Henry said.
“I know this horse from when he was a two-year-old. He is quick, and once he can settle in a race, he will be very dangerous,” Henry said.
