Douglas Whyte has confirmed it’s all systems go for Russian Emperor, with the three-time Group One winner “in great order” ahead of his H.H. The Amir Trophy (2,400m) defence on February 17.

Russian Emperor became Hong Kong’s first winner in Qatar 12 months ago, showing all of his usual battling qualities to defeat a host of international rivals in the US$2.5 million (HK$19.5 million) contest.

The groundbreaking victory was particularly satisfying for Whyte, who did not ride a Hong Kong-trained winner overseas in his illustrious career in the saddle, and the 52-year-old hopes Russian Emperor is in a good position to double his triumphs as a travelling trainer.

“He’s doing well and he’s come out of his [Group One Stewards’ Cup (1,600m)] run in great order,” Whyte said. “He’s booked on a flight on February 9 and he’ll be ready for the race on the 17th.”

The back-to-back Group One Champions & Chater Cup (2,400m) hero is no stranger to defending his crown on the big stage and Russian Emperor will bid to become the third galloper to snare consecutive H.H. The Amir Trophy crowns.

But unlike last season, when the son of Galileo had a smooth preparation for his international raid, the lead-up to this term’s race has been far from plain sailing.

After suffering a left front fetlock injury at the end of November, Russian Emperor was withdrawn from his intended engagement in the Group One Hong Kong Vase (2,400m).

With the seven-year-old’s racing career in question, vets carried out further tests and gave connections the green light to tackle the Stewards’ Cup on January 21.

Russian Emperor made his first appearance since November in the first leg of the Triple Crown and did his best work in the closing stages to finish seventh under Andrea Atzeni, five lengths behind the victorious Voyage Bubble.

“I thought it was quite an eye-catching run,” Whyte said. “He really let down in the last 300m and Andrea was very complimentary about what he felt.

“If you look back at his previous [Stewards’ Cup] runs, they haven’t been as fast-finishing as he was in that race. They’ve been a bit ordinary really and you go away scratching your head. But this year with fresh legs, he’s really let down and it was encouraging.

“I would’ve liked to get one more run into him, but he had a tough enough race and he’s come back and pulled up well. He stands himself in good order.”

Russian Emperor will be the only Hong Kong-based representative making the journey to Al Rayyan racecourse for Qatar’s premier racing festival after Whyte revealed Flaming Rabbit will not take up his entry in the local Group Two Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Cup (1,600m).

Flaming Rabbit joins Caspar Fownes-trained duo, Straight Arron and Senor Toba, as gallopers who are set to bypass Qatar in favour of remaining in the city.

“I’ve pulled the pin on him,” Whyte said of Flaming Rabbit. “He was a bit disappointing and we are trying to figure out what’s going on at the moment. We’ll freshen him up and bring him back in a month.”

Before Whyte’s focus turns to Qatar, the South African will aim to add to his 22 victories this season when he saddles six runners at Happy Valley on Wednesday night.

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Among the trainer’s winning chances is Beauty Waves, who is poised to claim his first win in the city in the Class Three Lockhart Handicap (1,200m).

After landing a 1,000m success on his final start in Ireland, the consistent son of Starspangledbanner has been knocking on the door in his four Hong Kong appearances.

A placegetter in his past three runs – including a last-start second over this course and distance – Beauty Waves looks every chance of hitting the board under Zac Purton.