Saturday, 15th February 2025
All enquiries - Gary Knowles 0406 599 773
Facing arguably her toughest task this time in, the Mark Walker-trained Imperatriz (I Am Invincible-Berimbau, by Shamardal) is at short odds to record her eighth elite level score when contesting Saturday's $3m Gr1 Darley Champions Sprint (1200m) down the Flemington straight. With many punters already declaring the daughter of Yarraman Park's Champion Sire their best bet of the day, Imperatriz has been in red hot form, winning her last four starts, all at Moonee Valley, highlighted by her three and a quarter length romp in the Manikato Stakes last time out where she defeated I Am Me (I Am Invincible). Those that finished behind the Te Akau Racing owned mare last time out wouldn't stand a chance on Saturday, even if Imperatriz wasn't in the race, so one might have some small doubt that the 5YO mare is a certainty at even money. With five of the top six in the betting all mares, Godolphin's In Secret (I Am Invincible-Eloping, by Choisir) does have an enviable record at the track, unbeaten in two starts, having won the Gr1 Coolmore Stud Stakes, followed by the Gr1 Newmarket Handicap in March this year. Fourth in the Everest at her last start, beaten just over a length, In Secret has since been given an easy time in a barrier trial in readiness for this race. Another who comes through the Everest is the Chris Waller-trained Espiona (Extreme Choice-Dahooil, by O'Reilly), who has since gone on and won the $2m Invitation over 1400m. A winner by 6.5-lengths, eased down, at her only start at Flemington, the Star Thoroughbreds raced mare will appreciate the speed and could be one to watch late.
