Imperatriz and Opie Bosson kick clear to win the G1 Manikato Stakes at The Valley. (Image: Racing Photos)
Sprint queen Imperatriz will be given every chance to be crowned Australia’s champion racehorse for the season following a decision to keep the star sprinter in Australia next autumn.
Imperatriz, who has won more Group 1 races in 2023 than any other horse in the world with six such wins, will target the G1 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington before attempting to defend her title in the G1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) at The Valley.
She is then likely to go to Sydney for the G1 T J Smith Stakes (1200m) before her winter spell.
If successful in all three races, she will have won six G1s for the season, a feat only bettered by Winx’s 2018/19 season (seven G1 wins).
The race for the horse of the year title could prove one of the highlights of the back end of the season as Imperatriz and the Caulfield and Melbourne Cup winner Without A Fight attempt to add to their remarkable spring records.
When announcing plans for next year, Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis said the mare’s ownership group had weighed through a number of overseas options, which included a Royal Ascot tilt in June, but said the decision to remain in Australia next year was based on the best interests of the mare.
“After careful consideration, the decision has been made that Imperatriz will resume in the G1 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes at Flemington in February,” Ellis said in a statement.
“We have received a number of international approaches and invitations and have worked diligently through the various options available to our special mare.
“Our guiding principle is to always make decisions based on what is right for Imperatriz and her continued well-being and longevity while maximizing her further opportunities to win at the elite level.
“Once safely through the Lightning Stakes, Imperatriz will defend her William Reid Stakes crown at The Valley and then contest the G1 T J Smith Stakes at Randwick in April.
“She will then return home to Te Akau Stud for a well-deserved spell.
“Te Akau Racing, together with her owners, are very humbled by the respect and huge support Imperatrix (Berri as we know her) has attracted.
“The warmth of the welcome wherever she steps out underlines how she has truly endeared herself to the public through her huge heart and will to win.”