Te Akau Turn Down Everest Approaches For Star Mare

Imperatriz turns down Everest offers

After a big win in the Group 2 McKewen Stakes on Saturday its likely that Kiwi sprinter Imperatriz will stay in Melbourne and contest the Group One Moir Stakes rather than changing focus to head to Sydney and line up in the Everest. 

Te Akau Racing chief David Ellis has confirmed that Imperatriz would head to the Moir despite receiving a number of offers by Everest slot holders to attend the $20m feature.

Ellis said the motivation for staying in Melbourne was simple.

"We haven't been offered a deal that we think reflects her ability in The Everest, so we will keep her in Melbourne," he told Punters.

"She has won good races right-handed, but I think she is a fraction better left-handed.

"The final day at Flemington (Group 1 Champions Sprint) is her goal, it is a $3m race and you don't have to split it with anyone.

"We look at every horse as an individual and we think it is the right thing to do with Imperatriz.

"We couldn't have asked for a better start to the campaign, Ben Gleeson is doing an incredible job for us and the staff there are high quality, it is exciting."

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After destroying the McKewen Stakes field under a hands and heels ride from fellow Kiwi Michael Dee, Imperatriz has been hammered into a $2.25 favourite for the Moir and a $2.75 favourite for the Group One Manikato Stakes, both at Moonee Valley.

Despite putting on a masterful display a jockey change is likely for Imperatriz next run with regular jockey Opie Bosson set to make the trip across the ditch to ride through the rest of spring. 

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