Stay with Emperorofthecats

EMPEROROFTHECATS appears none the worse off the lay-up since eased back into speed gallops a month ago in preparation for Sunday's overnight allowance at five furlongs straight.

Named for four-time champion jockey Charles Hussey, the event pits EMPEROROFTHECATS against the filly GOLDEN WATTLE and Jason DaCosta's pair, JOHNCROWJEFF and SUERDUPER.

Whereas GOLDEN WATTLE has a decent draw at stall six in the eight-horse line-up, JOHNCROWJEFF and SUPER DUPER have unenviable tasks of trying to angle to mid-track from post-positions one and three, respectively.

SUPER DUPER is pretty quick but JOHNCROWJEFF will be stuck in the hole from start to finish while the quicker horses make their way to the faster stands' side. EMPEROROFTHECATS has blazed a minute from the gate for three consecutive weeks, topped off by an easy 1:01.0, a raw display of his speed.

EMPEROROFTHECATS breaks from stall six with the best race history, speed and preparation to make light work of SUPER DUPER and company.

Last out in September, claiming rider Carlos Blake set EMPEROROFTHECATS down in breakneck speed against CAPTUREMYSHIP at five furlongs round. Splits of 23.0 34.2 and 46.1 were unsustainable, allowing EL PROFESOR to close past the two sprinters.

GOLDEN WATTLE has been regaining form but EMPEROROFTHECATS' company kept earlier this season reads like a Who's Who of this year's three-year-old classics.