Imperatriz takes out the Champions Sprint. Picture: Racing Photos
CHAMPIONS SPRINT - JOCKEYS COMMENTS
Opie Bosson (Imperatriz): “She’s a real darling. To have a horse like this
How this sits within his career: “Right up there. Te Akau, David Ellis, Mark Walker and the whole team. It is a dream come true riding a horse like this.
On the run: “I was expecting Asfoora to slot forward but he took a hold. So, I used Front Page as my bunny. Probably got there a bit soon. Geez, it’s a long way up that straight.
“To her credit she knuckled down and put her ears back.
Progress: “We always knew she was really talented. She’s just getting better with age and she is the real deal and she has proven it now. Hopefully there is more to come for both of us.
Would he like to ride her overseas: “I’d love to. I’d love a trip away. It’d be nice to get to Ascot and show them how good she is.”
Blake Shinn (Buenos Noches): “He ran really, really bravely, a great second. The winner was too good on the day. He put his hand up and showed he is one of the better sprinters around.”
James McDonald (In Secret): “She’s run extremely well. She tried her heart out. She gave her all.”
Kerrin McEvoy (Espiona): “She ran a great race. We got a bit of a squeeze after the jump and then I was able to get across to the outside rail. She handled the straight fantastic and was closest on the line. There’s options for her down the straight in the future.”
Craig Williams (Bella Nipotina): “Unfortunately she drew the wrong spot today. She jumped nicely and I thought the best option was to get in behind and cover her up, but then we’re standing off, back last. I think she would have run the fastest sectionals from the 400 (metres) to the 100, but that doesn’t mean you can win a race from where she was and from the gate.”
Tyler Schiller (Front Page): “He was terrific. I still think he’s a bit better NSW way around a bend, but it was an enormous run.”
Michael Dee (C'est Magique): “She ran as well as she could.”
Jye McNeil (Airman): “We didn’t have the right run in transit, unfortunately. He was just a bit flat.”
Mitchell Aitken (Asfoora): “Just raced a bit flat and didn’t see out the 1200 (metres).”
Damien Oliver (Lofty Strike): “He had a good run, but he’s just not letting go like he did last preparation. I can’t put my finger on why, but he’s just not going as well as last prep.”
Ben Melham (Star Patrol): “He had an off day. He seemed to pull up fine, but he went ordinary. He’s a lot better than that.”
WATCH: Imperatriz win the Champions Sprint