Decree fits the bill

Bill Prestage is one of those old-style trainers who knows how to pull off a coup. Now in his mid-80s, the veteran trains just a few horses, which he also owns, just because he loves it.

He once again displayed his wile when he slipped a set of pacifiers on Emperors Decree, stuck him in a work riders’ event, backed him in from 8-1 to 7-2 and watched his runner cruise home by nine lengths.

That was his fourth run and one must acknowledge that the Legislate gelding was not winning out of turn.

His first three runs were quite acceptable as he finished, third, fourth and fifth respectively.

Emperors Decree will line up again in Race 8 at Kenilworth tomorrow, a MR 76 Handicap over 1000m, and he can put on a repeat performance.

He showed lots of speed in his last win over 1100m and the 100m drop will not be a concern. This time Aldo Domeyer is in the irons.

The combination of trainer Vaughan Marshall and jockey Anton Marcus did not have any success at Wednesday’s meeting, but they can turn that around in Race 7, a MR 97 Handicap over 1000m, with No Laying Up.

The What A Winter gelding is two from two over 1000m and made a winning comeback after a rest, during which he was gelded, in a similar contest under Marcus when last seen in late November. He would’ve come on since and should strip fitter for the run, so is a good bet to follow up and preserve his 100% record over the distance.