Imperatriz ready to shine in TJ Smith Stakes
Star New Zealand mare Imperatriz will be kept to her pre-race routine in Melbourne before travelling to Sydney for the opening day of The Championships.
The Mark Walker-trained mare will have her last piece of work at Cranbourne on Tuesday before being floated to Sydney on Thursday night to run in the Group 1 T J Smith Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday.
Imperatriz is aiming for a sixth Group 1 win this season in the T J Smith, having already taken the Moir Stakes, Manikato Stakes and William Reid Stakes – all at Moonee Valley – along with the Champions Sprint and the Lightning Stakes at Flemington.
Ben Gleeson, Walker’s assistant trainer at Cranbourne, said Imperatriz had come through her victory in the William Reid Stakes at her last start in excellent shape.
She went to the beach on Friday morning, did some light exercise on Saturday and will have a more strenuous gallop on Tuesday.
Gleeson said it was unlikely Imperatriz would gallop the reverse way at Cranbourne on Tuesday.
“She’s had plenty of gallops the reverse way in New Zealand and went to Sydney last year, so we don’t need to remind her of anything,” Gleeson said.
“She’s well-travelled. She’ll adjust easily.”
Gleeson said the stable was looking forward to seeing Imperatriz again in Sydney.
At her only start in Sydney, Imperatriz was beaten by Artorius in the Group 1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m) at Randwick in March last year before winning seven of her next eight starts, six at the highest level.
And Gleeson said any wet weather would not deter Imperatriz.
“We’re as confident with her as ever,” Gleeson said.
“We know that our horse is spot on and in as good a form as we’ve had her.
“There is a bit of rain around, but she has won on wet tracks, she’s won a Group 1 on a heavy so that doesn’t faze us.”
“As long as the week ahead goes smoothly, we’re excited for the race.”
Imperatriz heads the betting on the T J Smith at $2.80 from last year’s winner I Wish I Win at $3.50 with Australian betting apps.
More Racing News
Fitness test awaits Campaldino for Sydney Cup entry
Prospective Sydney Cup runner Campaldino requires clearance from a fitness assessment to join the two-mile event at Randwick, after routine vet checks detected cardiac arrhythmia.Co-trainer Adrian Bott mentioned the absence of any such concern post his second place in the Chairman's Handicap (2600m) on Saturday, with the gelding showing no...
Sadler targets Black Type with Merrigold at Caulfield
Trainer John Sadler is on track to seek crucial Black Type for the mare Merrigold during Caulfield action.Having claimed victory in a benchmark 84 event at 1400m on Caulfield's track last Saturday, Sadler has his sights on the Listed Anniversary Vase (1600m) set for Caulfield this Saturday.Sadler mentioned Merrigold is...
Sydney prizes beckon for Ben Brisbourne after breakthrough Group Two
Ben Brisbourne, fresh from his debut Group Two triumph, shows no signs of slowing down as he pursues more wins in the two-year-old division.From his base in Wangaratta, the trainer intends to run his minimally experienced filly Salann in Saturday's Listed Fernhill Mile (1600m) at Randwick, eyeing a potential tilt...
Sydney Cup next for Melbourne Cup-bound Whisky On The Hill
Whisky On The Hill holds a guaranteed spot in the Melbourne Cup, prompting some to consider steering clear of handicapper pressure by passing on the Sydney Cup.Trainer Glen Thompson chatted about this with the ownership syndicate, but the better decision prevailed over avoiding challenge, so the reliable stayer lines up...
Ipswich hosts Cool Music's next challenge
The holiday racing spotlight falls on Ipswich in Queensland, where trainer Bryan Dais expects Cool Music to advance and reveal the ability he envisions for her future.Carrying 60 kilos in benchmark 58, Cool Music looks set to strike as she moves down from midweek to provincial in Monday's Barrier Reef...
Tempted and Marhoona set to renew rivalry in Arrowfield Sprint
Marhoona and Tempted share a 1-1 record, but bragging rights are up for grabs as the fillies renew hostilities post last year's Golden Slipper during Day Two of The Championships at Randwick.Last-start Group 1 conquerors both, the pair will lock horns in the Arrowfield 3YO Sprint (1200m) next Saturday at...
Gin Twist's future rests on upcoming track gallop
Whether Gin Twist pushes ahead for one more race or takes a spell will be settled by a gallop on the track.If she impresses during Monday's track work, the Lindsay Park two-year-old filly could head to the Listed Redoute's Choice Stakes (1200m) over 1200m at Caulfield this coming Saturday.Gin Twist...
Baker and King etch Australian Derby success with Green Spaces victory
Baker fulfilled a lifelong ambition with the Derby conquest, mirroring his dad, the celebrated Kiwi handler Murray Baker, responsible for five triumphs in the prestigious Randwick showpiece.Among Australia's longest-standing major events, the Derby began in 1861 alongside the debut Melbourne Cup taken by Archer.Baker disclosed plans to enter Green Spaces...
Dominant Doncaster Mile win for Sheza Alibi
The seasoned trainer Peter Moody was not often emotional during Black Caviar's tenure, but he was visibly moved after Sheza Alibi's impressive conquest of the Doncaster Mile (1600m) at Randwick.Starting from close to the tail of the 16-horse lineup, the $1.90 top pick looked to have plenty of work to...
Gelding Hughes smashes Caulfield record in Victoria Handicap
Racing moves at a rapid pace over 12 months.A year back, the gelding Hughes took out a benchmark 70 over 1400m at Caulfield soon after joining trainer Gavin Bedggood. This Saturday saw him become a Group 3 victor in the Victoria Handicap (1400m), breaking the track record in the bargain.Ridden...