Star New Zealand mare Imperatriz has taken out the $1 million Group 1 William Reid Stakes at Moonee Valley on Friday night, after getting a ‘peach' of a ride from Opie Bosson.
Ever since markets opened on Wednesday, the now five-time Group 1 winner has been the favourite for the William Reid Stakes and she was very solid in the market, jumping at $3.60 with online bookmakers.
Earlier in the week Mark Walker was quoted as saying that they don't just hand out Group 1's in Melbourne and that his mare would have to earn it, and earn it she did.
After jumping from seven, Bosson didn't push his mare to take up a position and he just let her find her feet and hold a spot on the outside of runner in the back half of the field, before making his move at the 600m mark.
With the leaders starting to slow after such a hot tempo being set during the 1200m event, Imperatriz and Bosson went straight past them and took off to put a two length lead and under hands and heels as she brought up an easy one-length victory over the fast finishing Bella Nipotina.
2023 William Reid Stakes Replay – Imperatriz
After bringing up his 20th Group 1 victory as a trainer, Mark Walker spoke post-race about Imperatriz' dazzling win in the William Reid Stakes.
“We've been a bit unlucky in Group 1s, especially in Melbourne over the years, so it was great to get that win tonight,” Walker said.
“She's just been trouble-free this preparation and it was a fantastic ride of Opie's as well and he just timed it perfectly.
“We had to make quite a long, sustained run, so full credit to the mare, she's a beauty.
“We'll just get her home to Te Akau Stud and get some of that good New Zealand grass into her and give her a break.”
Opie Bossom recorded his seventh win at his ninth ride on Imperatriz as well as his fifth Group 1 success on the mare, and he spoke post-race about the win.
“She's just got an amazing turn of foot,” Bosson said of Imperatriz.
“She can get herself out of trouble and she can run out a strong 1400, so 1200 wasn't going to be too much of a problem.
“There was a lot of pressure, I got back probably a couple of spots further than I wanted to but I ended up getting a nice drag into the race and she done the rest really.”