Imperatriz on target for Australian campaign

Group One winner Imperatriz pleased in her exhibition gallop at Te Rapa on Friday prior to her impending trip across the Tasman.

The Mark Walker-trained mare had won five races in succession before finishing fourth in the Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) at Hastings earlier this month on a heavy track.

With a similarly heavy track expected for tomorrow’s Gr.1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m) at Hastings, connections have decided to bypass the race in favour of the A$1 million Silver Eagle (1300m) at Randwick on October 8, a race restricted to four-year-olds.

“She’s actually come on in the coat this week, which is a sign of further improvement and Opie (Bosson, jockey) reported that she felt great,” Walker said.

“We’ve made the right decision not going to Hastings, given the weather forecast and heavy track, and hopefully the weather plays its part in Australia.”

The winner of nine of her 13 starts including the Gr.1 NZ Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) and Gr.1 Levin Classic (1600m), Imperatriz is being aimed at the A$10 million Golden Eagle at Rosehill on October 29.