Imperatriz gearing up for Black Caviar Lightning Stakes return
Star sprinter Imperatriz will take a step towards a planned racetrack return at Flemington with a jump-out at Mornington.
Imperatriz, who is scheduled to make her reappearance in the Group 1 Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington next month, had been entered for a jump-out at Cranbourne on Monday, but Ben Gleeson, the Melbourne-based assistant trainer for New Zealand conditioner Mark Walker, said that was as a precaution after a gallop between races at Cranbourne on Friday night.
Gleeson said Imperatriz would head to Mornington on Wednesday for her first jump-out ahead of another likely jump-out at Cranbourne to have her primed for her first-up assault.
The seven-time Group 1 winner galloped with stablemate Skew Wiff on Friday night under Michael Dee.
“She went there for a build-up piece of work and if we had decided not to give her a jump-out, we would have been happy,” Gleeson said.
“Mick got off her and said she felt bigger and stronger, which is a bit scary, so hopefully she proves that.”
Imperatriz went through the spring undefeated, winning her last three starts at Group 1 level, including the Champions Sprint (1200m) at Flemington on the final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
In the lead-up to that contest, the stable was granted permission to gallop Imperatriz on the straight track, but Gleeson said he was unsure whether permission would be granted for a return trip ahead of the Lightning Stakes.
“We might be able to go for a gallop, but if everything panned out the way we hope, it probably won’t fit into our schedule,” Gleeson said.
“It’s a long trip across town for a gallop. It worked for us in the spring, but we’ll keep that up our sleeve.”
Skew Wiff is being prepared for a first-up tilt at the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield on February 24.
Gleeson said the stable was trying to work out what weight the mare may get in the sprint, but he is happy with the she is coming to hand.
“She’s on track for two jump-outs and then kick off in the Oakleigh Plate,” Gleeson said.
More Racing News
Mr consistency heads to the 2026 Ballarat Cup
Ocean Beyond might not always warm the hearts of punters, but he remains an exceptionally consistent earner for his connections. The Simon Ryan-trained gelding will attempt to secure his biggest payday yet when he contests the $500,000 Listed Ballarat Cup (2000m) on Saturday, entering the race with more than $535,000 already...
Bar raised for in-form colt Swift Legend
Swift Legend has earned his opportunity in stronger company after back-to-back midweek victories, but jockey Jason Collett remains cautious as the colt continues to mature. The Dundeel youngster lines up in Sunday’s Vinnie @ Yarraman Park Handicap (1500m) at Rosehill, stepping out from recent wins at Warwick Farm and Canterbury. Collett says...
Inhabit out to book a 2026 Magic Millions Classic trip
Unbeaten filly Inhabit will be racing for a Magic Millions berth when she steps out again on Saturday. A stylish debut winner at Murray Bridge in October, she now lines up in the Sportsbet Same Race Multi Two-Year-Old Plate (1000m) at Morphettville Parks. Her assignment has been simplified with three scratchings, leaving...
Tommy Berry to test the summer carnival waters in 2025 George Moore Stakes
Tommy Berry will be a key figure in Brisbane this weekend as he reunites with Caballus, while also unveiling a valuable Magic Millions hopeful. Berry’s association with Caballus includes a Flemington stakes win two starts ago, prior to the sprinter backing up into the Champions Sprint, where he was unplaced behind...
Rob and Annabel Archibald hoping to return north with West Of Africa
Despite Sydney lacking a feature race this weekend, Sunday’s Rosehill program will be pivotal for Rob and Annabel Archibald as they shape their Magic Millions carnival team. The Archibalds will run West Of Africa and Mickey’s Medal in the TAB Handicap (1400m), with both aiming to justify a January trip to...
SA raider Promises Kept chases 2025 Ballarat Cup
Trainer Michael Hickmott is confident that new stable acquisition Promises Kept can give his owners plenty to look forward to over the next fortnight. The gelding heads east for Saturday’s Listed Ballarat Cup (2000m) and may then target the Listed Pakenham Cup (2500m) seven days later. Previously trained by Greg Eurell and...
Michael Dee makes Ascot return for Apulia in 2025 Northerly Stakes
Group 1-winning jockey Michael Dee is set to make a rare Perth appearance as he chases more elite-level success aboard Apulia. Dee will ride the Lindsay Park-trained entire in the Northerly Stakes (1800m) at Ascot, marking his first visit to the track since November 2018. The Victorian lightweight has a strong record...
Son of ill-fated stallion St Jean scores impressive debut win
Melek, a staying-bred son of St Jean, made the perfect start to his racing career with a determined win over the mile at Caulfield Heath on Wednesday. The Ciaron Maher-trained four-year-old debuted in the Sportsbet Race Previews Plate (1600m) and made an immediate impact. Starting at $4.20 after firming late, Melek charged...
Air has second Assault on the 2025 Ballarat Cup
A mature and more composed Air Assault will attempt to push his prizemoney beyond $1 million when he lines up in Saturday’s Ballarat Cup. Trainer Andrew Gluyas says the gelding has finally pieced it all together after years of racing keenly, noting the now nine-time winner has developed into a tractable,...
Weather prompts Rosehill races transfer
Saturday’s Rosehill race meeting will now be held on Sunday after Racing NSW moved to avoid anticipated extreme heat across Sydney, with temperatures set to surge past 40 degrees. Racing NSW stewards had tracked forecasts closely all week and, with no relief in sight, chief steward Tom Moxon confirmed the rescheduling...