Bella Nipotina (Image: Racing Photos)
Star six-year-old mare Bella Nipotina will again take on champion sprinter Imperatriz in Saturday's Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) at The Valley.
It was in the William Reid Stakes last year that Imperatriz introduced herself to Melbourne and she saluted at $3.60 to kick off a stretch of six wins in succession, which was ended with a last-start second placing in the G1 Newmarket Handicap.
In last year's William Reid Stakes Bella Nipotina finished second and managing owner Michael Christian said connections know they will again be facing a great challenge taking on Imperatriz.
"It's our favourite course and distance but it's also hers (Imperatriz). We'll take her on and see what happens. We know Imperatriz is a champion," said Christian, who revealed Bella Nipotina will also be nominated for The Galaxy at Rosehill on Saturday in case there is a Heavy track.
Christian said the ownership group was proud of Bella Nipotina's effort to finish fifth in the Newmarket carrying more weight than the rivals she finished around, other than Imperatriz, who she was only half a length behind.
Last year, Bella Nipotina finished third in the Quokka at Ascot on April 20 and she will again be heading to the rich slot race which is worth $5 million.
Christian said connections have had meetings with two slot-holders who want Bella Nipotina to represent them.
"I think she'll be suited by the conditions of the Quokka," he said.
Christian said Bella Nipotina is a gross mare who needs racing and she could also start in the G1 T.J. Smith Stakes at Randwick on April 6.
"We've got to fly out of Sydney anyway, so we'll discuss with Ciaron (Maher) whether she can run there or has a hard trial. It will be up to him," he said.
After those runs, Christian said there will be discussions as to whether she has another campaign or goes to the breeding barn.
"The consensus of the ownership group at the moment is that we won't be selling her, so we will have to make a call on whether she races on or goes to stud," he said.
"That will depend on how she finishes her campaign, she's still loving her racing at the moment, but there will be a day when she's had enough and when she gives us that signal, we will send her to stud.
"She's been a marvellous mare for us. She's incredible. She ran as an October two-year-old and she's still going as a March six-year-old and racing incredibly well."