Qatar trip could provide ‘a bit of a spark up’ for Douglas Whyte’s Russian Emperor

Douglas Whyte's Russian Emperor is considering a trip to Qatar for the H.H. The Amir Trophy (2,400m) at Al Rayyan Racecourse on February 18. Caspar Fownes-trained Senor Toba is also considering the trip. Senorsor Toba will run in the Group Three Centenary Vase on Feb. 5. The winner of the Champions & Chater Cup ( 2,000m), Russian Empress won the Hong Kong Gold Cup on January 26. She finished fifth behind Romantic Warrior in that race.

Fun Together won the Class Four Lam Tei Handicap (1,200m) at $143. Not Usual Star won Class Three Tai Tong Handiap at HK$68. The Triple Trio jackpot of over HK $24 million was carried over to next weekend's meeting. Russian Emperor's trip to Qatar could provide a spark for Douglas Whyte's horse. Six Up's win at the Six up Handy paid north of HK#6 million. It was the horse's second Hong Kong start. Chris So Wai-yin's five-year-old horse had problems with his joints. He had a long break and cantered him and it helped him improve.