A night for record-breaking mares

Champion New Zealand sprinter Imperatriz held up her end of the bargain as she followed in the footsteps of another champion mare Amelia’s Jewel with a breathtaking performance to win the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000 metres).

And just as Amelia’s Jewel did, Imperatriz also set a new track record (1000 metres) but it was her own record which she set with her previous win in the McEwen Stakes.

Imperatriz, who gave Opie Bosson his 92nd Group 1 win, had to produce her trademark withering burst as Asfoora had skipped clear on the turn, and she was still well back even with 150 metres to go.

Mark Walker and Opie Bosson celebrate Imperatriz’s G1 Moir Stakes win at The Valley. (Image: Racing Photos)

Walker described the win as a great performance and said he was always confident she would win.

“She hits that flat spot during her race, but when she came up underneath Opie at the top of the straight, you could see what was going to happen,” Walker said.

Walker said Imperatriz was a special mare to his stable and also to Bosson as she was keeping him riding.

Imperatriz has now won her last three starts at The Valley, having also won the Group 1 William Reid Stakes in March. She will head to The Valley for her next start which will be the track’s other Group 1 sprint, the Manikato Stakes.

Then she will complete her campaign in the VRC Champions Sprint.

Walker again said the five-year-old mare would stay in Melbourne for the spring.

“The mare is so happy here and I don’t see any sense in putting her on a float. They’re prestigious races and she’s loving it down here,” Walker said.

It was Imperatriz’s 15th win from 21 starts and her sixth Group 1 win.

It was a hit and run mission for Bosson who will return to New Zealand ride in a Group 1 in New Zealand.

Bosson said Imperatriz gave him an amazing feeling when she let down.

Imperatriz ($1.65 fav) defeated Asfoora ($8) by a length and a quarter, with Uncommon James ($8.50) a length away third.