Emperor Set For National Showdown

Kieren Fallon is expecting a 'big run' from Holy Roman Emperor in what promises to be an informative renewal of the Laing O'Rourke National Stakes at the Curragh tomorrow.

The Group One event boasts a roll of honour that reads like a who's who of racing superstars, including Sinndar, Hawk Wing, Dubawi, King Of Kings and George Washington.

For Aidan O'Brien, it is usually the target for his most precocious juvenile, although Fallon is wary of the threat posed by Jim Bolger's unbeaten Teofilo and knows he will be in for a race.

'Jim Bolger doesn't usually get these things wrong and he says Teofilo is the one of the best two-year-olds he has trained,' the rider said.

'I like my fella, he was very impressive last time in the Phoenix Stakes and we are all expecting a big run from him.

'Stepping back up in trip won't be a problem,' Fallon told At The Races.

'I've been in a couple of the races Teofilo has won but this fella would be a fair bit better than the ones I've ridden in those races. I'd be happy enough with mine.'

Kevin Manning has the privilege of riding the unbeaten Bolger colt, as he has done all season, and he is looking forward to the challenge.

'I'm looking forward to riding him,' he said.

'His form is there in black and white for everybody to see and what he's done has been very very solid.

'We knew pretty early that he was useful and he has always been a great ride.'

(C) PA Sport