A bold decision coupled with a calulated risk by trainer Ricky Choi earned Platinum Emperor the Korea Racing Authority Trophy at Sungai Besi today.

The Sweynesse galloper, winner of eight races in Macau, has always shown exceptional ability since coming to our shores.

After winning three of his four runs in the country, the Platinum Emperor started favourite in the Selangor Gold Cup last September but dislodged his rider after running onto a fallen horse in the Group 1 race.

The six-year-old bounced back liked a good horse he is to win first-up early this year but has since been beaten by the weights (59.5kg) in his last three runs.

Although he twice won first-up over 1200m in the country, the New Zealand gelding clearly relishes a longer trip than that.

Choi entered him for the Korea Racing Authority Trophy (Supreme A – 1200m) today desite that.

Fully aware that the New Zealand gelding will have to carry 59.5kg again with his rating of 111, Choi made what turned out to be a winning strategy by engaging apprentice Ikram Jamaludin for the reciprocal race.

Ikram has not ridden the horse before but being able to claim 3kg was what Choi was after.

Platinum Emperor did not jump well and was briefly in last spot short after the start.

Up in front, Yes Man set the pace with Pacific Vampire and Arigato in close attendance. They were followed by Banker’s First. Platinum Emperor settled third last early in the 10-horse field but moved up to midfield making the turn into the straight.

Yes Man continued to set a brisk with Pacific Vampire tracking him and they opend up a gap to the rest of the field.

Yes Man led into the straight from Pacific Vampire. Filial Dragon moved up third ahead of Banker’s First with Platinum Emperor taken wide for his run next.

Yes Man was well clear of Banker’s First at the 200m and by now Platinum Emperor had the front two clearly in his sight.

Banker’s First hit the front 50m out but Platinum Emperor quickly pounced on him and got up to win by a head. Dream Alliance was a fast-finishing third.

“I knew I had to put on a claiming apprentice to stand a chance in this race,” said Choi.

“The distance was trifle short for him (Platinum Emperor) but he got up just in time.

“The 1600m of the Selangor Gold Cup is ideal for him and it was a pity he did not get to show his capability last year.

“Now I have to start all over again to get him in prime condition for the race this year.”

“With the rain coming down hard since the race prior, I took him three to four-wide all the way into the straight,” said Ikram who has ridden for Choi 10 times before for three placings.

“He fought hard all the way in the straight and will relish a longer trip for sure.”