A history making Group 1 victory for Hong Kong’s Russian Emperor in Qatar on Saturday has connections looking towards Dubai, but the Sheema Classic is already shaping as a tough assignment for Douglas Whyte’s charge.

Taking out the 2400m G1 Amir Trophy for former Hong Kong-based hoop Alberto Sanna, Russian Emperor added to his two Hong Kong Group 1 wins of last season with a strong performance in the US$2.5 million feature.

But the opposition will jump from what essentially amounted to ‘Listed’ grade in Qatar to the serious Group 1 quality of the Sheema Classic.

“The horse really deserved that… but (the) Dubai Sheema Classic? Designs on Rome couldn’t do it (and he was a) much better horse than this horse I would say,” said Asian Racing Report’s Chief Journalist David Morgan

“(In Dubai) he’s going to come up against horses like Equinox, who is a superstar, Win Marilyn who put them all in their place in the Vase in December, Shahryar might go there, and that’s without the Europeans.”

Also in this week’s Asian Racing Review: 

Hong Kong’s Russian Emperor makes history in Qatar (0:00); Asian Racing Conference: the key issues dissected (1:33); Joao Moreira returns to the JRA winner’s circle, but how’s The Magic Man’s form? (4:14); Early preview of the Saudi Cup (5:57); The Hong Kong four-year-old crop, including Beauty Eternal, Super Sunny Sing and Derby latest (7:09); Jockey tactics for the G1 Hong Kong Gold Cup: Golden Sixty vs Romantic Warrior (10:41).

Hong Kong still haunts Alberto Sanna but Qatar is home now