Imperatriz primed for Canterbury Stakes

Australian punters will get their first look at Kiwi sprinter Imperatriz when she lines-up in the Gr.1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m) at Randwick on Saturday.

The Mark Walker-trained mare has been in imposing form in her homeland, winning all three of her starts this preparation, including the Gr.1 Railway (1200m), Gr.1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m), and Gr.2 Westbury Classic (1400m).

Walker was particularly pleased with her last start victory in the BCD Group Sprint and is hopeful she can transfer her form across the Tasman.

“She was very impressive that day and the loose horse in the race made it very interesting, but she came through that run very well,” Walker told RSN.

“It is her first trip to Australia so it is always hard weighing up form, especially over the sprinting distances, but I think she is a genuine player.”

Kiwi sprinters have had plenty of success in Melbourne over the last year, and while Walker said they considered the Gr.1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) with their mare, they thought the Canterbury Stakes would be a better fit.

“We put a lot of thought into the Newmarket but having won four Group Ones at home we thought she would be weighted up to her very highest, and we felt that weight-for-age was the way to go and this race fitted in nicely,” he said.

TAB bookmakers are confident she can continue her winning ways in Australia, installing her a dominant $1.90 favourite in the race ahead of Golden Mile ($6) and Artorius ($6.50).

Kiwi import continues winning ways at Pakenham

New Zealand-bred filly Marble Arch continued her unbeaten run in Australia when victorious in the A$300,000 Future Stars Final (1400m) at Pakenham on Thursday.

The daughter of Per Incanto extended her winning streak to three since joining Ben and JD Hayes’ Flemington barn, giving an immediate return to her new connections.

"With her, it was perfect timing. We bought her from New Zealand, she looked very progressive, and these races came along," Ben Hayes told Racing.com.

"The ownership group is having a great ride and they've already paid for her.

"I think it's a series they should definitely keep going because it gives people such great opportunity."

Jockey Daniel Stackhouse was rapt with the result and believes Marble Arch has a bright future.

"She is pretty raw and untapped. I think she will get better as she gets further," Stackhouse said.

Marble Arch was purchased privately by the Lindsay Park team after finishing third at Wanganui in her only start in New Zealand for trainer Wayne Marshment.

She continued the stable’s great run with progeny of Little Avondale Stud stallion Per Incanto, highlighted by Little Brose win Gr.1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) at Sandown last Saturday.