Jamie Richards-trained Imperatriz (I Am Invincible) upstaged her more fancied stablemate to keep her perfect record intact with victory in the G2 Eclipse S.
The filly had been a touch overlooked in the build-up to the Barneswood Farm-sponsored 2-year-old feature with barnmate Sword Of State (Snitzel) dominating the betting market, but third was his lot after having every chance.
Imperatriz settled in a handy spot and one off the fence before she edged forward near the turn and she produced a gallant finish to account for the previously unbeaten Stormy (NZ) (Telperion).
Imperatriz had won on a heavy track when first produced at Otaki in November and showed her versatility at Ellerslie where a faster surface proved to be no problem.
“I expected her to run well, especially after she was able to keep up with Avantage on Monday morning,” Richards said. “She’s a nice filly and it was a good, tough win at Otaki.
“She’ll probably have a freshen-up and then get ready for the G2 Matamata Breeders’ S. and into the G1 Sistema S. She’s very promising and will improve.”
“She’ll probably have a freshen-up and then get ready for the G2 Matamata Breeders’ S. and into the G1 Sistema S.” – Jamie Richards
Johnson said she approached the race in a confident frame of mind after partnering Imperatriz in an important piece of lead-up work.
“I’ve been so looking forward to riding the filly. I galloped her a couple of weeks ago and she gave me a really good feel.
“She travelled well today and from the 600 metre mark she picked them up and when the other horse (Stormy) came at her she dug really deep.”
Gallery: Imperatriz pictured as a yearling
Bred by Raffles Dancers, Imperatriz was offered by Bhima Thoroughbreds at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale and secured by Te Akau supremo David Ellis for $360,000.
“David and Mark (Walker) went to the Magic Millions to buy some from the first crop of Xtravagant and came home with Imperatriz and Sword Of State as well,” Richards said.
He was also pleased with the effort of Avonallo (NZ) (Belardo {Ire}) to finish fourth in his first appearance since landing the Listed Welcome S. at Riccarton in November.
“He finished off quite nicely and wants some blinkers on and will probably be seen with those on in the Karaka Million. He’s open to a lot of improvement yet and could be the smokie in the race,” Richards said.
A half-sister to Imperatriz by Fastnet Rock will be offered by Bhima Thoroughbreds as Lot 96 at the 2021 Magic Millions Yearling Sale.
Interactive video: Lot 96 at 2021 Magic Millions Yearling Sale - Fastnet Rock x Berimbau (filly)
