As the roadmaps for different runners heading into the Queensland Winter Carnival begins to take shape, Emerald Kingdom, who won last year’s edition of the Group 3 BRC Sprint, will take a detour north before a likely return to defend his BRC Sprint crown.
The Robert Heathcote trained seven-year-old resumed last Saturday after a six month break from race action and finished midfield, just under four lengths behind Je Suis Belle in the Listed Ascot Stakes.
Now comes the road to Rockhamption where Emerald Kingdom has taken up one of the slot holder positions for the inaugural running of the $440 000 The Archer which will tale place at Rockhampton on May 7.
“I got a couple of enquiries early on from slot holders, and I was only too keen to take Emerald Kingdom up there,” said Heathcote.
“I’ve teamed up with Rob Carr (who holds a slot with Leonie Carr). It’s something different.
“I think the big track up there … the 1300m … the 600m straight … it will suit my lad. It is quite clear that it is going to be a very competitive race.
“The program with regards to him running in Brisbane during the carnival still works. He can take it up again in the BRC Sprint which he won last year.”
Back in Brisbane, Heathcote will also have, amongst others, the likes of Startantes who finished second in the Group 1 Surround Stakes and third in the Group 1 Flight Stakes and The Jewel winner Prince Of Boom in his armoury when his runners go out to compete for carnival riches.
