Imperatriz Impressive on Debut

Debutante Imperatriz (2 f I Am Invincible - Berimbau, by Shamardal) became the fifth individual winning two-year-old for Te Akau this season when taking out the $22,500 Uzabus & Coaches 2YO 1100 metres on 26 November at Otaki.

On the heels of Avonallo (Belardo) winning the Welcome Stakes (Listed, 1000m) on NZ Cup Day at Riccarton, Imperatriz joined stable-mates Quattro Quinta (Darci Brahma), Sophisticardo (Burgundy), and Palamos (Extreme Choice), as additional debut winners.

Having made up plenty of ground for second at her sole trial on 5 November at Matamata, Imperatriz not only faced the outside draw (8) and Heavy10 footing, but also gave the leaders quite a start before cruising up three wide rounding the home turn. She had the ability to take an advantage at the 200m and withstood challengers either side in order to score.

It was a game effort by a promising filly and certainly showed her resolve, given the testing conditions.

“She was a filly that the more we did early with her, the better she became and it was good tough first-up win,” said leading trainer Jamie Richards. 

“We gave her a bit and she trialled well at Matamata. Her action suggested she might appreciate soft ground and while having some troubles with her in the barriers, she is getting better.

“She missed the kick, but scooted up behind them quickly and it was a nice ride by Danielle (Johnson). She handled the wet, testing conditions, and we'd expect her to improve with it. 

“We'll take our time with her, but she could be seen around Christmas time at Ellerslie. She has a terrific pedigree and the team at the Uni Barn have managed her well. Troy (Harris) has spent a fair of time educating her, at the jump outs and trials, and a big thank you to him too.”

Firming in late to start race favourite, among three evenly sought in betting, Imperatriz returned $3.50 & $1.60 on the TAB tote.

Purchased by David Ellis CNZM in January at Gold Coast Yearling Sale 2020, from the draft of Bhima Thoroughbreds, Imperatriz, whose name means "Empress" and who has a regal look to her, is owned by Te Akau Invincible Empress Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM) including Karyn in her ownership.

By Leading Australian Sire (wins) I Am Invincible (Invincible Spirit), dam sire Shamardal (Giant's Causeway), whose progeny have often handled yielding ground, he has left 45 Group 1 winners worldwide and he stands for a private fee in Ireland.

“Incredibly, she was the last horse to fully sell this year and she's produced a fantastic effort to win on debut,” Ellis said. “She missed the start by three lengths, worked three wide improving into it and was still able to hang on. It was a massive run and a fantastic thrill for the owners. 

“Jamie (Richards) has worked her out. She's a filly that's kept improving, showed a lot of really good attributes there today and we can look forward to her next start.

“She's got a beautiful pedigree. By Australian Champion Sire I Am Invincible, who is doing an incredible job at stud, and Shamardal is a sire and broodmare sire of the highest class in the world.

“We've got some pretty classy horses by I Am Invincible in the stable, including Festivity, who has won four from five, and Vamos Bebe has two wins and two seconds from four starts, so let's hope this filly goes on with the job, too.

“Her dam, Berimbau, won as a two-year-old and has been mated commercially and at the top end. She was a beautifully balanced filly and just looked a real racehorse when we bought her. She is a very strong filly, with a lovely shoulder, a lot of strength through the gaskin and hindquarters, and it's a great equation being able to buy a filly like her that has now won on debut.”

Imperatriz was strapped by Sam Bergerson.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz

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