Platinum Emperor (NZ) (Sweynesse) and Cavalry (NZ) (Tavistock) renewed their rivalry after finishing 1-2 respectively in the Mitavite Asia Cup (Metro A – 1400m) three weeks ago and repeated that result in the Supreme A race over 1600m at Selangor racecourse in Malaysia on Sunday.
Whereas Platinum Emperor was hard-pressed before winning by half a length last time out, the Sweynesse gelding had it much easier this time, coasting home by 2-1/2 lengths to bring his record in the country to three wins from four starts for the former Macau galloper. His only other run was when finishing third to Noah Khan in the Tunku Gold Cup (1200m) in March.
Marc Lerner, who also rode Platinum Emperor last start, again showed judgement on the six-year-old.
Platinum Emperor was well up with the early pace but was caught wide. The Frenchman elected to ease his mount back and settled on the rails in seventh place. But the pair was only five lengths from the pacemaker Arigato at the 800m mark.
Arigato shot to the front soon after the jump to lead from Calvary and Superb Luck. They were followed by Energy Baby, Golden Pegasus and Valois.
Arigato led into the straight with the rest of the field bunched up behind him.
Lerner had eased Platinum Emperor out from the rails from the 600m and was looking for a run between runners at the top of the straight. At the 400m, he was in the clear and was just three lengths adrift out the leader.
Cavalry was the first to challenge Arigato and hit the front at the 300m. Platinum Emperor went up to Cavalry shortly after the 200m and grabbed the lead 100m out to win by drawing away.
“His (Platinum Emperor) fitness last time out was not ideal,” said trainer Ricky Choi on the gelding’s improved run today.
“Today’s run was in preparation for the Selangor Gold Cup 1600m) coming up next month. I am targeting him for that.
Platinum Emperor’s win today was Choi’s first since the same horse last won on Jul 12. And he doubled the score for the afternoon when Hennu Stall finally broke through, winning his eighth start in the country in the Class 5A – 2000m handicap.
