Chief Stipe Posted September 25, 2023 Share Posted September 25, 2023 What makes Imperatriz a star? www.racing.com Many punters had Imperatriz marked as the danger to Giga Kick in the McEwen Stakes, but few could have predicted what would unfold down The Valley straight that afternoon. This includes Te Akau assistant trainer Ben Gleeson, who has headed up the NZ-based stable's Victorian team since July. "Our whole plan was for her to hit the line and run a top three or top-two race to know that we're on track for the Moir," he said. "Mick (Dee) saw the opportunity to get into the slipstream of the best horse in the race (Giga Kick), if we could keep up with him, we were on track. "But we were more than on track, we were flying; she went straight past him." Gleeson, like many others on track, was shocked by how easily Imperatriz drew away from a star-studded field. "I've never seen a horse let down with a turn of foot like that … it gives you goosebumps," he said. "I couldn't believe my eyes as to how fast she went past me, let alone Mick sitting up on her with 50 metres to go. "The fact she won by two-and-a-half lengths against the best sprinters in the land is scary." As magical as the victory was, Gleeson has worked to identify the racing factors that led to the breathtaking run. "It (The Valley) just seems to be a track where you can really slingshot off the corner and that's exactly what she did the other day," he said. "She changes legs perfectly on the corner and when a horse changes to that fresh leg, it just gives them a withering turn of foot. "If you go and watch the replay of her bursting past Giga Kick, as soon as she gets to his outside, she changes to the right lead and that just gives her that huge, powerful finish." Outside of Imperatriz's fondness for The Valley and her innate ability to switch to the more beneficial lead leg, Gleeson also believes she has one of the land's best track riders in Laura Winks. "It's very easy when you've got a fantastic track rider, Laura's ridden all over the world," he said. "She's got an incredible knowledge of good horses and an incredible knack to get along with them." Winks thinks that the brilliance of the five-time Group 1 winner comes from her razor-sharp focus, both on race day and during trackwork. "She just has that great attitude, that's what all good horses have; they just apply themselves when they need to," she said. "You don't have the good ones pulling, carrying on out on the track and half trying to whip around, the good ones just do their job." With Imperatriz holding a record of 14 wins from 20 starts, including 11 Group and Listed victories, Winks says there's nothing left for the mare to prove. But simultaneously, Winks knows that Imperatriz is loving her racing at the moment and wants to see her keep enjoying it. "I don't think she's got anything else to prove, she's already got the numbers on the board," Winks said. "She's just enjoying her racing and as long as she stays sound and happy what's the point in taking her away from something she wants to do ... she loves it." Gleeson could not be happier with the horse's condition following her first-up run and issued a scary warning to her future opponents this spring. "Her coat's starting to come out, she's starting to dapple up, all those little signs that you want to see in a horse this time of year," he said. "I think when she gets to the mounting yard at Moonee Valley next start, I think she'll look even better than she did first-up. "I think we're in for her biggest prep yet." 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
holy ravioli Posted September 27, 2023 Share Posted September 27, 2023 8 Horse field ,drawn 5...Bosson will have his work cut...out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Stipe Posted September 27, 2023 Author Share Posted September 27, 2023 41 minutes ago, holy ravioli said: 8 Horse field ,drawn 5...Bosson will have his work cut...out. Can you post your speed map for us all to have a look at? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
curious Posted September 27, 2023 Share Posted September 27, 2023 (edited) 48 minutes ago, holy ravioli said: 8 Horse field ,drawn 5...Bosson will have his work cut...out. Can't see what difference that might make. Please explain. Edited September 27, 2023 by curious Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Stipe Posted September 27, 2023 Author Share Posted September 27, 2023 1 minute ago, curious said: Can't see what difference that might make. Please explain. Good Luck getting a lucid explanation other than it being a cheap sarcastic shot aimed at Bosson. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gammalite Posted September 27, 2023 Share Posted September 27, 2023 1 hour ago, Chief Stipe said: Can you post your speed map for us all to have a look at? 2 hours ago, holy ravioli said: 8 Horse field ,drawn 5...Bosson will have his work cut...out. Goes back last behind the mighty Queenslanders. We're a pretty nippy bunch up here !! 😅😉 Zoustyle and Rothfire burning it up early !! Good to see we're claiming Imperatriz as an Aussie too by the look of it. Always good to have a good one on the Aus team 😎 . She'll be back last early on . Possibly in front at the Post !!🍻🏆 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Stipe Posted September 27, 2023 Author Share Posted September 27, 2023 There has been plenty of intrigue on whether the A$20 million carrot of The Everest (1200m) would prove too enticing for Te Akau Racing with their star sprinter Imperatriz (I Am Invincible), but they have put the nail in the coffin of that idea this week. Te Akau principal David Ellis has confirmed once more that she will remain in Melbourne at their new Cranbourne base and target three Group One races, starting with Friday’s Moir Stakes (1000m) at The Valley. “It was an interesting decision, but we’d pretty much made up our mind a month or six weeks ago that we’d go for the Group One races,” Ellis told Racing.com. “We’ve been offered some positions (in The Everest) by really good judges in Australia, but we’ve decided that we want to keep her in Melbourne to race this spring. “We think she’s slightly better left-handed than right-handed and she’s already had a long trip over form New Zealand to Melbourne, so I don’t think she needs another long trip up to Sydney. “We love racing in Melbourne, our owners love it so with our base there, it was a pretty easy decision to make in the finish. “We have got a lot of owners going over and it will be a fun night.” Imperatriz impressed with her first-up victory in the Gr.2 McEwen Stakes (1000m) at The Valley earlier this month, adding to her previous heroics when winning the Gr.1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) at the Melbourne track in March. She had a hit-out at The Valley on Tuesday morning over 800m alongside stablemate Zourion and trainer Mark Walker was pleased with what he saw from the five-year-old. “It’s just been a balancing act trying to keep her fresh enough to go another 1000m, but Ben’s (Gleeson, assistant trainer) been happy with her the whole way through, and I thought her work was good,” Walker said. “In a perfect world you’d be going 1100 if not 1200m, so we’ll just have to see Friday night if she is fresh enough. “She’s actually a Group One winner over a mile at home in New Zealand but I think her pet distance is 1200 if not 1400m. It’s a bit of a juggling act trying to go 1000m again.” View the full article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
holy ravioli Posted September 27, 2023 Share Posted September 27, 2023 3 hours ago, curious said: Can't see what difference that might make. Please explain. Will be in the 'squeezed middle' ,and possibly spat out the back . I'm inclined to lay her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doomed Posted September 27, 2023 Share Posted September 27, 2023 Looking at the field, you can see why they stayed in Victoria. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Stipe Posted September 27, 2023 Author Share Posted September 27, 2023 38 minutes ago, holy ravioli said: Will be in the 'squeezed middle' ,and possibly spat out the back . I'm inclined to lay her. You're "inclined to lay her" because you can't pick anything to beat her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
curious Posted September 27, 2023 Share Posted September 27, 2023 Gun mare Imperatriz draws perfectly for Moir Stakes Moir Stakes favourite Imperatriz. By Racenet 01:22pm • 27 September 2023 8 Comments Star New Zealand mare Imperatriz has drawn barrier five for Friday night's Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m) at The Valley. A field of eight will go around in the 1000m showpiece including grand Queensland sprinter Rothfire which has drawn barrier one with Blake Shinn to ride. The meeting also sees the running of the Group 2 Stutt Stakes while WA wonder mare Amelia's Jewel will tackle the Stocks Stakes over the mile journey. Amelia's Jewel has drawn barrier 10 of 11 in the Stocks Stakes after drawing the carpark when successful in the Let's Elope Stakes at Flemington a fortnight ago. MOIR STAKES FIELD AND BARRIER DRAW No. — Name — Jocket — Barrier — Weight 1 ROTHFIRE Blake Shinn 1 58.5kg 2 THE INFERNO Jake Noonan 8 58.5kg 3 UNCOMMON JAMES Damian Lane 7 58.5kg 4 ZOUSTYLE Damien Oliver 3 58.5kg 5 GENERATION Mark Zahra 2 58.5kg 6 ACROMANTULA Craig Williams 4 58.5kg 7 IMPERATRIZ Opie Bosson 5 56.5kg 8 ASFOORA Mitchell Aitken 6 56.5kg ******************************************* The Valley track was rated a good (4) at acceptance time. The rail will be in the true position on Friday. The Bureau Of Meteorology forecast for Melbourne is. Wednesday – Partly cloudy. 17. Thursday – Mostly sunny. 21. Friday – Mostly sunny. 25. Saturday – Mostly sunny. 28. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
holy ravioli Posted September 27, 2023 Share Posted September 27, 2023 3 hours ago, curious said: Gun mare Imperatriz draws perfectly for Moir Stakes Moir Stakes favourite Imperatriz. By Racenet 01:22pm • 27 September 2023 8 Comments Star New Zealand mare Imperatriz has drawn barrier five for Friday night's Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m) at The Valley. A field of eight will go around in the 1000m showpiece including grand Queensland sprinter Rothfire which has drawn barrier one with Blake Shinn to ride. The meeting also sees the running of the Group 2 Stutt Stakes while WA wonder mare Amelia's Jewel will tackle the Stocks Stakes over the mile journey. Amelia's Jewel has drawn barrier 10 of 11 in the Stocks Stakes after drawing the carpark when successful in the Let's Elope Stakes at Flemington a fortnight ago. MOIR STAKES FIELD AND BARRIER DRAW No. — Name — Jocket — Barrier — Weight 1 ROTHFIRE Blake Shinn 1 58.5kg 2 THE INFERNO Jake Noonan 8 58.5kg 3 UNCOMMON JAMES Damian Lane 7 58.5kg 4 ZOUSTYLE Damien Oliver 3 58.5kg 5 GENERATION Mark Zahra 2 58.5kg 6 ACROMANTULA Craig Williams 4 58.5kg 7 IMPERATRIZ Opie Bosson 5 56.5kg 8 ASFOORA Mitchell Aitken 6 56.5kg ******************************************* The Valley track was rated a good (4) at acceptance time. The rail will be in the true position on Friday. The Bureau Of Meteorology forecast for Melbourne is. Wednesday – Partly cloudy. 17. Thursday – Mostly sunny. 21. Friday – Mostly sunny. 25. Saturday – Mostly sunny. 28. How is barrier 5 perfect by any credible analysis? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
holy ravioli Posted September 27, 2023 Share Posted September 27, 2023 10 hours ago, Chief Stipe said: You're "inclined to lay her" because you can't pick anything to beat her. Dear oh dear ,I'm going to get very cross with you Chief.Even you know how laying a horse works! At her previous start I said Gigakick was the lay and proven correct. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Stipe Posted September 27, 2023 Author Share Posted September 27, 2023 17 minutes ago, holy ravioli said: Dear oh dear ,I'm going to get very cross with you Chief.Even you know how laying a horse works! Yes in know how it works - you pick the best priced loser. Now who do think will beat Imperatriz? Which one of the other 7 horses? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
holy ravioli Posted September 27, 2023 Share Posted September 27, 2023 1 minute ago, Chief Stipe said: Yes in know how it works - you pick the best priced loser. Now who do think will beat Imperatriz? Which one of the other 7 horses? Wrong when you lay a horse...you have the rest of the field running for you! $1.75 for Imperatriz is NOT fair value...2nd up over 1000m,terrible draw(despite Curious link),jockey change,bigger field with bigger threats in Asfoora and Uncommon James. Do you want to back Imperatriz at $1.85 ...well do you? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aquaman Posted September 27, 2023 Share Posted September 27, 2023 I have backed her at a $1.80. I think she is a good thing. Reason being, perfect draw in a Greyhound field on a track she loves, fantastic record 2nd up, being ridden by her regular jock, and up against inferior horses. Track conditions will be perfect for her. $1.80 is a good price. She will start shorter. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Stipe Posted September 27, 2023 Author Share Posted September 27, 2023 1 hour ago, holy ravioli said: Wrong when you lay a horse...you have the rest of the field running for you! FFS - I'll put it another way - you find the horse that is at what you assess to be at the worst unders to lose i.e. the best priced loser which is a horse that its odds are much lower than its assessed chance. 1 hour ago, holy ravioli said: $1.75 for Imperatriz is NOT fair value...2nd up over 1000m,terrible draw(despite Curious link),jockey change,bigger field with bigger threats in Asfoora and Uncommon James. At $1.75 - yes it is a bit under. As for it being "fair value" - are you saying bookies should be fair? 4 wins and one placing from 5 2nd up starts. Many experienced pundits are saying the draw suits her - won't be stuck on the rail looking for a gap but should be one out ready to pounce. Jockey change? Are you serious? Opie has ridden her 9 times for 7 wins. Rides her in track work back in NZ. Bigger field? Hardly huge. One more than her last start!! As for Asfoora - coming back in distance second up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
holy ravioli Posted September 27, 2023 Share Posted September 27, 2023 14 minutes ago, aquaman said: I have backed her at a $1.80. I think she is a good thing. Reason being, perfect draw in a Greyhound field on a track she loves, fantastic record 2nd up, being ridden by her regular jock, and up against inferior horses. Track conditions will be perfect for her. $1.80 is a good price. She will start shorter. In greyhound racing draws 4 and 5 are considered the WORST. Good luck with your bet..the NZ TAB opened at $1.75. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Stipe Posted September 27, 2023 Author Share Posted September 27, 2023 16 minutes ago, aquaman said: Track conditions will be perfect for her. $1.80 is a good price. Has a good record on all tracks. Won from a Heavy 10 to a Good 3. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
holy ravioli Posted September 27, 2023 Share Posted September 27, 2023 2 minutes ago, Chief Stipe said: FFS - I'll put it another way - you find the horse that is at what you assess to be at the worst unders to lose i.e. the best priced loser which is a horse that its odds are much lower than its assessed chance. At $1.75 - yes it is a bit under. As for it being "fair value" - are you saying bookies should be fair? 4 wins and one placing from 5 2nd up starts. Many experienced pundits are saying the draw suits her - won't be stuck on the rail looking for a gap but should be one out ready to pounce. Jockey change? Are you serious? Opie has ridden her 9 times for 7 wins. Rides her in track work back in NZ. Bigger field? Hardly huge. One more than her last start!! As for Asfoora - coming back in distance second up. So you agree with me that Imperatriz is a goods...'lay' bet. 'is a horse that its odds are much lower than its assessed chance.'. Btw who are these 'experienced pundits'?Imperatriz has speed from the jump and an inside barrier would have been more advantageous imo.The speed map put up is a good one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Stipe Posted September 27, 2023 Author Share Posted September 27, 2023 As for Imperatriz being in the squeeze box at 5 - don't horses have jockeys to steer straight? Did anyone mention she smashed the track record for 1000m at Moonee Valley when winning last start? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Stipe Posted September 27, 2023 Author Share Posted September 27, 2023 4 minutes ago, holy ravioli said: So you agree with me that Imperatriz is a goods...'lay' bet. 'is a horse that its odds are much lower than its assessed chance.'. No I don't think she is a good "lay bet". $1.75 at the moment is a bit short for me but I wouldn't bet against her. But that's a good multiplier price. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aquaman Posted September 27, 2023 Share Posted September 27, 2023 43 minutes ago, holy ravioli said: In greyhound racing draws 4 and 5 are considered the WORST. Good luck with your bet..the NZ TAB opened at $1.75. I said a Greyhound field not race, meaning 8 starters. Gate 5 is perfect for her, she can pick a spot on the outer from there and not get boxed in on the rail. Opie will be able to place her perfectly 1 out 1 or 2 back ready to swoop turning for home and put them to the sword. This should be even easier than last time. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
holy ravioli Posted September 27, 2023 Share Posted September 27, 2023 18 minutes ago, aquaman said: I said a Greyhound field not race, meaning 8 starters. Gate 5 is perfect for her, she can pick a spot on the outer from there and not get boxed in on the rail. Opie will be able to place her perfectly 1 out 1 or 2 back ready to swoop turning for home and put them to the sword. This should be even easier than last time. Like your confidence.Still think an inside barrier would have been better than...5. Don't think the aussie jocks will give Bosson ...any favours. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Stipe Posted September 28, 2023 Author Share Posted September 28, 2023 1 hour ago, holy ravioli said: Don't think the aussie jocks will give Bosson ...any favours. Hell they don't give each other any favours!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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