Singapore Raider No Back Number

Emperor Max (Aus) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) will add some international flavor to the G1 Qipco British Champions Sprint on Saturday. The 6-year-old gelding has been shipped all the way from Singapore by trainer Stephen Gray and arrived in Newmarket last week where he is stabled with Jane Chapple-Hyam. Emperor Max won a Group 3 at Kranji on his last start but also boasts some smart form at the top level including a second to Lucky Nine (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) in the G1 Krisflyer International Sprint last year and a repeat second in the same race this year to Aerovelocity (NZ) (Pins {Aus}). Stephen Gray is excited about the task at hand and said, “We are lucky to have a horse like him to travel and take in these experiences, even though it is nerve-racking. The owners, Gordon and Ernest Yau have been kind enough and brave enough to have a crack. If it happens it would be a fairytale as Max has been an emotional horse for our family.”

While Gray is confident of a good showing he is also realistic about his chances given his current 33-1 odds. “It is a different track and way of racing. The biggest negative is running in that straight line, but he has got the temperament to cope with it and he will like the cut in the ground.” Gray is also keen to maintain the partnership with the horse's regular jockey as opposed to seeking a local rider with track experience. “Corey Brown will ride him as he does well on the horse and deserves his chance. He is a world-class jockey and for him it's a dream as well. Having him on board is important as he knows the horse and is part of the team,” added Gray.