Wyong trainer Wayne Seelin is hopeful stable star Emperor Of Rome musters his Anzac-like spirit against some of Australia's biggest stables at Randwick on Wednesday.
The two-year-old returns to the track off a 46-day let-up in tomorrow afternoon's RAAF Handicap (1000m), looking to recapture the endurance and courage that has already netted him three wins.
And while Seelin has successfully dodged the top tier of Australia's two-year-old crop, a quick look down the form guide reveals his gutsy youngster still has a sizable task ahead.
“I just thought I'd give him a bit of a let up and come back against some of the weaker horses, and hopefully that's what they are,” Seelin said.
“I think Clarry's one [Diamond Start] it's probably going to be winning races. You've always got to worry about Gai's horse, you'd be silly not to.
“Those kind of things will start favourite ahead of me, he's always a better price than he probably should be.
“All's well with him I expect him to race well.”
Emperor Of Rome has been one of Australia's most enduring two-year-olds this season, having raced nine times already.
The hulking Antonius Pius gelding was slugged with the top weight of 58kg ahead of his Anzac Day return, but the 2kg claim from Adam Hyeronimus means the horse will carry less than most of his peers.
And should he impress in the RAAF Handicap, Emperor Of Rome could be rewarded with a trip north for the Queensland winter.
“It's a possibility in the back of my mind but I haven't looked to nom for anything like that I'll worry about that tomorrow night,” Seelin said.
“At this stage it might be a bit hard to find races for him because at this time of year they stretch them out. They run a lot of maidens at 1000 and 1100 and if he manages winning tomorrow there's not a lot around.
“I put Adam on him, he pretty much knows what he's doing himself he doesn't really need a lot of encouragement or anything to do what he does so I thought I'd claim anyway.
“He's a big strong horse I don't think weight's going to be a big issue, he's a powerful animal.
“His work's been good I think he'll be in it for a long time anyway.”
