Valley Queen ready to rule

Outstanding sprinter Imperatriz will be out to extend her perfect record at Moonee Valley on Saturday when she takes her place in the Group 1 William Reid Stakes.

The Mark Walker-trained mare is unbeaten from four starts at the tight-turning circuit, dating back to her win in last year's renewal of the race.

Imperatriz's past three starts have been at Flemington, where she's won two of those by relatively narrow margins and then was brave in defeat under the topweight in the G1 Newmarket Handicap last time out.

"We look forward to getting her back around a bend, getting a bit of cover and hopefully seeing that electrifying turn of foot that she's shown here every time or around a bend most of her races," said assistant trainer Ben Gleeson at Tuesday's Moonee Valley gallops.

While Imperatriz did not gallop at The Valley on Tuesday, Gleeson passed on positive news on the mare's progress ahead of this weekend's assignment.

"She's perfect," Gleeson said.

"We're very happy with the way she's come through the run. She's as tough as I've seen, she cops the work and just thrives out of it. She's at home in great order, we just kept her at home, she didn't really need to come here again, she knows the place well enough now.

"She'll have her final piece of work across at the (Cranbourne) Turf Club and that'll tick her over nicely."

Imperatriz will meet several of her rivals from the Newmarket Handicap, like Cylinder and The Astrologist, significantly better off at the weights on Saturday under the weight-for-age conditions of the William Reid Stakes.

Should she prevail, it will be her 10th triumph at the top level, with regular rider Opie Bosson to fly in for the meeting.

"We're very happy to be back at the right weights that suit her," Gleeson said.

"At the end of the day, it's still a Group 1, a lot can go in your favour or not in your favour and there'll be a competitive enough field, I'm sure. That's why we've got Opie on the best and if he can give her the best ride possible, hopefully she'll take care of the rest."

Imperatriz has drawn barrier 10 for the William Reid Stakes and is the $1.75 favourite for the race with Sportsbet.