Emerald Kingdom has confirmed his rating as one of the most promising horses in Queensland with an easy win at Doomben.
Emerald Kingdom ($1.50) made it four wins in a row when he won a Class Six 1200m-race by 3-1/4 lengths.
The gelding had narrowly won his previous start in a Saturday Class Three at Eagle Farm when trapped wide but there were no problems from barrier one on Thursday as he was eased down on the line.
Emerald Kingdom had experienced melt-downs in the parade ring at his two previous starts but was on his best pre-race behaviour.
Trainer Robert Heathcote said Emerald Kingdom would have his next start in a fortnight at Eagle Farm.
“Not many horses can win four in a row and not many can go from a Class Three to a Class Six,” Heathcote said.
“I think he has good race in him. He is a late maturer and reminds me of another of my horses, Deep Image, who is now a stakes winner.”
Jockey Ryan Maloney also predicted a big future for Emerald Kingdom.
“He had plenty on them and he can win in much better company,” he said.
Trainer Kelly Schweida got a couple of extra firsts when Schweid As ($1.60) and Encieh ($2.90) gave him a race to race double.
“Schweid As was Ryan Maloney’s first winner for me and Sean Cormack got his first winner for me on Encieh,” Schweida said.
He has a ready-made replacement for his stable stalwart Stella Ombra in the gelding’s full brother Schweid As.
The pair are by Dane Shadow out of the mare Sweet As who won six races in Brisbane before a stint in Melbourne where she was placed.
Stella Ombra has won nine races and is noted for his toughness.
