Imperatriz touches down

[Wandering Eyes]

Te Akau Racing’s star mare Imperatriz (I Am Invincible) touched down in Australia on Tuesday morning ahead of her spring preparation.

The William Reid Stakes winner arrived at Cranbourne along with Karaka Millions winner Dynastic (NZ) (Almanzor).

“All went smoothly,” Te Akau Racing’s assistant trainer Ben Gleeson reported.

“They got in at 1am this morning and we put them away and they were straight into their feed.

“They’ve had a quiet morning, had a swim and a pick of grass.

“Couldn’t be happier with all the signs, heads out the window, happy as Larry.”

Imperatriz will mark her racing return at The Valley on Saturday, September 9 in the Group 2 McEwen Stakes when she takes on the likes of Giga Kick and What You Need.

The scene of her autumn G1 win is also set to be where her first three runs will be this campaign, with the Moir and Manikato Stakes also on her radar.

Gleeson, former assistant trainer to Danny O’Brien, recently spent a week in New Zealand with Te Akau training partners Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson familiarising himself with the routine and horses to follow in the coming months.

He said he was impressed with how Imperatriz had come on following a trial last Wednesday at Taupo.

“It’s been a matter of two weeks since I’ve seen her and she’s shown big improvements since I’ve seen her,” Gleeson said.

“Her coat looks outstanding and so does Dynastic’s.

“They had a winter coat as you could imagine in the cold weather but have dropped that really quick.

“Both will be up and running in the first few weeks, which is exciting.”

Gleeson said Dynastic will return at Sandown on September 13 in a 1300-metre Benchmark 84 contest.

Te Akau Racing’s brand-new stabling complex is still being completed at Cranbourne, with horses currently at alternative stables at the training centre until its imminent completion.

Initial capacity will be for 20 horses, with hopes to grow in the next 18 months.

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