Imperatriz wins the Charter Keck Cramer Moir Stakes
A crowd of over 7000 flocked to The Valley on a perfect night for racing and were treated to two special performances by star gallopers Imperatriz and Amelia’s Jewel.
New Zealand mare Imperatriz broke her own track record in an incredible display to claim victory in the Group 1 Charter Keck Cramer Moir Stakes.
As was the case when taking out the Group 2 Mittys McEwen Stakes earlier this month at The Valley, Imperatriz showed an electrifying turn of foot as she swept down the straight.
The Mark Walker trained mare defeated Asfoora by 1 ¼ lengths in a time of 56.47.
It’s her sixth Group 1 victory and second at The Valley, where she holds a perfect record from three starts.
She’ll get her chance to add to her Group 1 tally on Ladbrokes Cox Plate Day when she lines up in the Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes.
Imperatriz was also chosen as the Cheering For Charity horse for the meeting, with her victory resulting in a donation of $2000 for the night’s charity partner, Make-A-Wish Australia, thanks to MVRC’s Principal Partner Ladbrokes.
Australia’s Best Race beckons for Simon Miller’s brilliant WA mare Amelia’s Jewel after putting in the perfect Ladbrokes Cox Plate audition with a record-breaking performance in the Group 2 Ladbrokes Stocks Stakes (1600m).
Damian Lane rolled forward from a wide draw in what proved a key move, sitting second in the run behind Pride Of Jenni.
The leader gave a great sight, but Amelia’s Jewel’s quality was on full display much to the delight of the big crowd, winning by ¾ of a length and setting a track record time for the mile in her first visit to The Valley.
Griff took out the Group 2 Entry Education Stutt Stakes for Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, while Coeur Volante for Michael Moroney claimed the Group 3 University Food Group Scarborough Stakes.
A slick time was set in Heat 1 of the Ladbrokes 55 Second Challenge, with Shirshov for trainer Julien Welsh winning in a time of 54.64 for the 955m.
It was a festive atmosphere on track and Group 1 winning jockey Ben Allen proved a big hit as DJ for the night on the Burston Lawn, with the top rider getting patrons of all ages dancing throughout the evening.
Footy fever was also in full swing ahead of the Grand Final, with AFL and AFLW players Tom Lynch, Kyle Langford, Chloe Scheer and Ellie McKenzie on track, while the quickest players in the Essendon District Football League competed in ‘Sprint For The Stars’.
Keilor Football Club picked up the quinella in the 100m sprint down the famous Valley straight, with Darcy Cassar taking out the male division and Maddie Reynolds first home in the female division.
Next week’s Ladbrokes Friday Night Lights meeting (October 6) is proudly supporting Breast Cancer Network Australia.