Luke Morris believes forecast persistent rainfall will give Brave Emperor a “massive chance” when the British raider takes aim at Golden Sixty in Sunday’s Group One FWD Champions Mile at Sha Tin.
The Archie Watson-trained globetrotter has collected four wins in as many countries from his past five starts and is set for his first taste of top-level action in the HK$22 million contest.
While Morris appreciates the monumental task of stepping out against Hong Kong’s most successful galloper, the British rider believes testing conditions will substantially increase his chances of toppling Golden Sixty.
“Golden Sixty is probably the best horse in the world and on his last start in December he probably looked just as good as he’s ever done, which at his age is quite incredible,” Morris said.
“But I was just hoping a few thunderstorms and showers before the race would bring Brave Emperor a bit closer to Golden Sixty.
“Brave Emperor is very versatile ground-wise and I suppose the local horses and the Japanese horses may not be quite so effective on a wet track. If the ground does come up soft on Sunday, I think he has a massive chance.”
Brave Emperor enjoyed a progressive campaign last season and took his record to 10 victories from 16 outings with a gutsy victory over a mile in Doha two months ago.
While Brave Emperor’s latest win took place on quick ground, the four-year-old son of Sioux Nation is unbeaten from four appearances on a rain-softened surface. His career-best effort came on heavy ground when he brushed aside a Group Two field in Italy.
“He’s a remarkable horse and I feel he’s got quite an upwards profile,” Morris said. “Archie has brought him along steadily and now he deserves his crack at the top level.
“Studying the Champions Mile so far it looks like it could be a tactically run race. Last year, we applied Brave Emperor to how we felt would best suit the specific race. It’s nice to have that edge with him, we can place him wherever we see fit on the day.”
Based in Newmarket with trainer Sir Mark Prescott, Morris will make his first visit to Hong Kong after previously riding in the United States of America, Canada, the United Arab Emirates and Japan.
Morris collected his latest Group One win when he steered star mare Alpinista to a brave Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (2,400m) victory on very soft ground in 2022.
Now chasing a 10th win at the top level, Morris will be hoping to triumph in similarly attritional conditions aboard Brave Emperor.
“I’ve seen all the videos of his work and speaking to Archie [on Wednesday] morning, the team out there are very happy with him,” Morris said. “He’s just the ultimate professional in that he’s travelled all over Europe and Qatar.
“When he gets on a horse box he comes to life. He can be quite sleepy at home but as soon as he gets away he almost grows an inch. He looks in great order and we’re very excited for the weekend.”
Brave Emperor will jump from gate nine and is one of three weekend rides for Morris. The David Hayes-trained Oriental Smoke, who contests the Class Three FWD Insurance NCB Handicap (1,400m), and Mighty Stride, who lines up in the Class Two FWD Insurance CCB Handicap (1,400m), complete his book.
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