Imperatriz blitzes her rivals to win the Group 1 Manikato Stakes at The Valley. (Image: Racing Photos)
MANIKATO STAKES - JOCKEY COMMENTS
Opie Bosson (Imperatriz): “It is a lot easier on horses like this. She just does it for me, really. She’s something special. It's up there. I don’t usually get too nervous but today I was ‘walking the box’ a bit this morning and didn’t want to talk too much.
Is she the best horse he has ridden: “She is, by far. I’ve said it a million times (that) I’ve never ridden a horse that can just switch off and go back when you want it. More to come, I think.
Racing on the speed: “That wasn’t the plan. She was comfortable, she changed legs at the right time, on the turn and in the straight and I thought we were going to be hard to beat.”
“She jumped and put herself there today. I gave her a little squeeze to clear the first two horses and then I thought well I’m going leave her here. As soon as she got there she switched off and changed legs at the right time and round the home bend she kept coming up underneath me and changing legs.
James McDonald (I Am Me): “She was really good. She was standing in the gates for a long time and stepped a little bit awkwardly and was back, but she did a good job to chase.”
Damian Lane (Uncommon James): “He’s run honest again. He was just on the chewy a little bit early, got into a lovely rhythm mid-race and the leader (Imperatriz) was obviously too good, but he fought on bravely for third.”
Jake Noonan (The Inferno): “Very pleased with his run. The tempo was probably against his chances after they went 100 metres, but she’s a star, so take nothing away from her, but a more reasonably run race and up to 1400 (metres) will suit.”
Daniel Moor (Jigsaw): “He had his heart broken by a genuine superstar. We jumped well and had semi-control of the rest of the field position, but she let go 600 (metres) out, she stepped it up and was far too good.”
Jamie Mott (I Am War): “He ran well against some very good horses. He’s going good enough to win something easier.”
WATCH: Imperatriz's dominant win the G1 Manikato Stakes at The Valley