Brave Emperor, European qualifier for Kentucky Derby, unlikely to come

Brave Emperor, who holds a berth for the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 6 through the European qualifying series, is unlikely to be sent to the United States.

Tom Palin, the racing manager for the Middleham Park Racing syndicate that owns the gelding, said on Wednesday that high costs of entry fees and traveling from Great Britain was the primary reason to pass on the Kentucky Derby.

Palin said there was an outside chance Brave Emperor could be sent to Churchill Downs if the gelding was sold in coming weeks.

“We won’t be taking it on our own,” Palin said. “The costs are very big. Head is having to overrule the heart.

:: KENTUCKY DERBY 2023: Derby Watch, point standings, prep schedule, news, and more

“If we do get a partner on board, or if someone wants to buy the whole horse, he could go over.”

Trained by Archie Watson, Brave Emperor has won 5 of 8 starts and earned approximately $129,000. Most of those earnings would be consumed by travel and entry costs. Entry and starting fees alone for the Kentucky Derby total $50,000.

“We’d be spending all that to go over,” he said.

Brave Emperor was second in the $123,800 Cardinal Condition Stakes at a mile on the all-weather track at Chelmsford City Racecourse last Saturday, losing by a half-length. He has never raced beyond a mile and has won twice at that distance.

Palin said the Kentucky Derby distance of 1 1/4 miles and the dirt surface were two other concerns related to Brave Emperor’s chances.

Palin said Brave Emperor will be considered for stakes on turf at Newmarket Racecourse later this month, including the listed Feilden Stakes at 1 1/8 miles on April 19, or the Group 3 Craven Stakes at a mile on April 20.

Brave Emperor has not raced on turf since a win in a maiden race at five furlongs at Chepstow Racecourse last May.

:: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.