OWNER Mike Destombes rounded off a good week when his three-year-old colt Emperor Napoleon got the better of Mentor in the R125 000 KZN Betting World Guineas Trial over 1600m at Clairwood on Sunday, 5 November.

 Destombes is also a member of the successful Rich Man’s Gold Syndicate who owns Kildonan, the impressive winner of Saturday’s Graham Beck Stakes at Newmarket.

 Summerhill-bred Emperor Napoleon is a full brother to Destombes’ Fillies Guineas winner Bold Ellinore, and he completed the hat-trick in courageous style by fighting off Mentor.

Mike commented: “This win was meritorious because the form of a horse like Infinite Spirit kicks back to Kildonan. Emperor Napoleon will be prepared now for forthcoming features.’’

Mrs. Oppenheimer’s filly Lan Air Cel (AUS) continued her winning run with a sparkling win in Race 4 over 1450m. Lan Air Cel was backed to the exclusion of her rivals, but her supporters must have thought they were in trouble when she lost some ground going around the bend and had seven lengths to find going through the 400m mark.

 But she’s no slouch, this one.

 Lan Air Cell kicked swiftly into gear on the outside of the track, made up the leeway in a matter of seconds and ran on to win going away from Avion and Moi Park.

 “Lan Air Cel has a exceptional pedigree being by Fuschaisi Pegasus out of a mare from the family of Storm Bird. I will be aiming her at the Cape Fillies Guineas.’’

Emperor Napoleon (Weichong Marwing)