Hong Kong’s Russian Emperor has stamped his G1 Dubai Sheema Classic (2410m) credentials with a charging fifth in the G1 Jebel Hatta (1800m) at Meydan Racecourse on Saturday night (4 March), delighting trainer Douglas Whyte with the performance.

“It was very pleasing, he got knocked down on the turn. I was hoping he would run fourth or fifth – and he ran fifth,” Whyte said. “We got a little further back than expected but that’s what happened due to circumstances but the way we really accelerated down the straight, it was pleasing to watch – so he’s on song.”

Winner of the QAT G1 H.H. The Amir Trophy (2400m) on 18 February at his previous start in Qatar, Russian Emperor was freshened by Whyte for his Dubai debut and Hong Kong’s Champion Stayer underscored his form by storming from second last at the 400m to close to within two and three quarter lengths of Alfareeq, who won the G1 Jebel Hatta for the second year in a row under Dane O’Neill.

Forced further back than planned under Alberto Sanna, Russian Emperor fanned to the outside of the 14-horse field to close impressively ahead of the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic on 25 March.

Caspar Fownes will study replays of Senor Toba’s eighth behind Charlie Appleby-trained Global Storm in the G2 Dubai City Of Gold (2410m) on Saturday (4 March) to gain further insight into the performance.

Ridden by Alberto Sanna, Senor Toba settled midfield but, after improving into a striking position rounding the turn, faded to be beaten six and three-quarter lengths.

“I want to look at the replay,” Fownes said immediately after the race. “It’s too early to be making any decisions. On face value, he was disappointing.”

Taken to the front after 600m by William Buick, Global Storm controlled the race at a moderate tempo before accelerating from the bend to comfortably hold off stablemate Kemari (James Doyle), while Daramethos was third.

Russian Emperor and Senor Toba are expected to be joined at the Dubai World Cup meeting by Fownes-trained Sky Field and John Size’s Sight Success, who will contest the G1 Al Quoz Sprint (1200m).