Imperatriz is set to remain in Melbourne, Australia this spring, as Te Akau Racing has decided against entering her in the $20 million The Everest (1200m) at Randwick on October 14.
The mare delivered an impressive start to her spring campaign at The Valley by winning the Group 2 McEwen Stakes (1000m), following her victory in the Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) at the same Melbourne track in March.
The allure of the A$20 million prize money for The Everest had tempted her connections, but trainer Mark Walker, along with Te Akau principal Dave Ellis and Karyn Fenton-Ellis, ultimately decided to keep her in Melbourne for her spring campaign.
Walker explained, “We had a bit of a team talk, and we do think it is in her best interests to stay in Melbourne with no extra travel up to Sydney.
“She is happy at our Cranbourne stable, and we do think she is a little bit better racing left-handed, although her form right-handed is still very good. But we are happy with her staying in Melbourne.”
Imperatriz's stellar performance on Saturday didn't come as a surprise to Walker, who has been impressed with her return as a five-year-old.
He said, “We were quietly confident because before she went to the Taupo trials, Opie Bosson, the jockey, galloped her on the Friday morning and he came back saying ‘I think she is better than she was last year.
“We do think she is going that much better. She doesn't have any niggles at the moment and she is just in really great form.”
With The Everest out of the picture, Imperatriz's upcoming schedule includes two races at The Valley: the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m) and the Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m). Afterward, she may consider a challenge at the Group 1 Champions Sprint (1200m) at Flemington on November 11.
Walker expressed his excitement, saying, “She is two for two at The Valley now, and her next two runs will be at The Valley. It is pretty exciting times coming up for the whole team.”