While Saturday’s Gr.1 Cox Plate (2040m) continues to be an intriguing head-scratcher before the final field comes together on Tuesday morning, the day’s other Group One at The Valley, it seems, carries no such mystery.
The Te Akau star Imperatriz (I Am Invincible) is the heavy favourite to take the A$2 million Manikato Stakes (1200m) and her trainer Mark Walker could give her potential rivals little to look forward to just six days out from the sprint feature.
“Everything is good with her, she hasn’t missed a beat,’’ Walker reported. “I know our mare is really happy within herself and she’s fit and sound, that’s the main thing,’’ he said.
Imperatriz is unbeaten at The Valley, having won the Gr.1 William Reid Stake (1200m) last autumn before stunning wins in the Gr.2 McEwen Stakes (1000m) and Gr.1 Moir Stakes (1000m) to start the spring.
“She seems to love that track and she’ll love getting back to that sort of trip (1200m), so we’re looking forward to it,’’ he said.
But Walker’s not taking it for granted.
“We all know Group Ones are never easy to win, especially in Australia, so she’ll go there in great order and we’re expecting her to run well.’’
Imperatriz then progresses to the Gr.1 Champions Sprint (1200m) at Flemington, where, if successful in both races, she would go to the paddock with the extraordinary record of 23 starts for 17 wins, nine at Group One level.
With Gr.2 Schillaci Stakes (1100m) winner and Moir Stakes runner-up Asfoora likely to miss the Manikato, Imperatriz is rated a $1.60 prospect ahead of $9 chance Uncommon James, I A Me and Bella Nipotina.
