Carl Anderson, breeder, proprietor, and trainer, confidently asserts that Emperorofthecats is among the premier sprinters at the Park, referencing the impressive evolution of his four-year-old bay gelding this year.
Emperorofthecats solidified his position as a rising star by triumphing over experienced competitors in the fourth rendition of the Christopher "Chris" Armond Sprint Trophy feature, held on Saturday, December 23, 2023.
The formidable gelding clinched the Graded Stakes/Open Allowance contest, a race for three-year-olds and above over five and a half furlongs (1,100m), by a commanding three lengths. He outpaced a formidable field of six runners, including the current year's Gold Cup winner, She's My Destiny. Emperorofthecats, nurtured and honed by Carl Anderson, clocked a time of 1:06.0 (22.4 x 45.3).
Anderson praised Emperorofthecats' strong performance in his previous race after a seven-month hiatus, winning over six furlongs in a time of 1:13.0 on December 10. Unsurprised by the consistent delivery, Anderson affirmed that they stuck to their tried-and-true preparation method.
Shavon Townsend, a jockey familiar with Emperorofthecats, was the chosen rider. Anderson expressed satisfaction with the duo's performance and dismissed the suggestion of using his horse as a pace setter, stating that Emperorofthecats was in a league of his own. He instructed Townsend to take the lead and not wait for anyone, a strategy that paid off handsomely, elevating Emperorofthecats as one of 2023's top sprinters.
From the number one position, Emperorofthecats seized the lead, pulling She's My Destiny (Omar Walker) and Freedom Street (Jordan Barrett) into the half-mile (800m) turn.
Entering the final stretch, Emperorofthecats extended his lead. With no substantial rival in sight, the progeny of Emperor Hall and Laws of the Cat powered home, clinching his second consecutive victory and fifth overall from eight starts this season.
Freedom Street maintained his momentum in the final stretch to secure second place, followed by She's My Destiny in third. Madelyn's Sunshine (Ramon Nepare) completed the line-up.
