Emerald Kingdom’s pre-race mood to improve

Trainer Robert Heathcote is expecting Emerald Kingdom to behave better at Eagle Farm than Doomben.

Trainer Robert Heathcote is expecting the lightly raced Emerald Kingdom to be in a far better mood when he runs at Eagle Farm than he was at Doomben.

Emerald Kingdom has won his past two starts at midweek meetings and will be among the favourites for Saturday’s Canadian Club Plate (1000m).

The gelding was one of the stars of the Doomben trials last month, winning his heat by seven lengths in a time usually associated with open company horses.

On the strength of that trial he was sent out the $1.85 favourite in a restricted class race at Doomben last week.

Emerald Kingdom went into a parade ring meltdown before the race and eventually won on raw talent.

Winning jockey Robbie Fradd said the effort was above average because Emerald Kingdom had in effect run his race before he went on to the track.

Emerald Kingdom had ear muffs before the race Heathcote has resisted the temptation to leave them on for Saturday’s assignment.

“I am confident he will be a far more relaxed horse at Eagle Farm than he was at Doomben,” Heathcote said.

“Eagle Farm is his home track and being in familiar surroundings will be enough to keep him calm.

“We have taken our time with him but I think he is a very nice horse and the patience will pay off.”

While Saturday’s race is a restricted Plate it is one of the more interesting events on the card with several other promising horses opposed to Emerald Kingdom.

“It is an above average field so it will be a good test,” Heathcote said.

He has a strong hand on Saturday including promising stayer Our Mantra who resumes in the Class Six Handicap (1400m).

“He worked his way through the classes last campaign,” Heathcote said.

“Our Mantra has trialled solidly and he has a handy first-up record.

“If he continues to improve we might even look at the Sydney autumn with him.”