Samudra prevails in battle of blue bloods at Sandown on Wednesday

Blue-blood juveniles Samudra and I’mateez both made a big impression in their debuts as they fought out a close finish at Sandown on Wednesday.

Samudra (right) edges out I’mateez Jye McNeil in a thrilling finish at Sandown Hillside. Picture: Racing Photos

Rich pedigrees were on display at Sandown on Wednesday with blue-blood juveniles Samudra and I’mateez fighting out a hotly contested 1000m 2YO Handicap.

Fast filly Samudra, a $750,000 daughter of super stallion Snitzel out of Group 1 winner Pippie denied I’mateez, the half-brother of 10-time Group 1 winner Imperatriz.

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Trainer Mark Walker, who ironically conditioned Te Akau champion Imperatriz during her career was most pleased with Samudra’s last 100m under pressure from I’mateez and third-placed Latin Boss.

Latin Boss went stride for stride with Samurdra through the first 800m and only relented late.

“(Samudra) was under a lot of pressure but she really dug deep and found,” Walker said.

“Probably going forward she’s going to be a better chaser than leader.

“You would’ve thought she was all done at the 100m but that natural (talent), mum’s (Pippie) ability kicked in and she’s going to be a much nicer three-year-old, that’s for sure.”

The blue-blooded Samudra grits her teeth, staving off the challenge of her opponents to make a winning debut 🙌

Odds on backers won't want that again 😅@BMelhampic.twitter.com/2Rks3hxM7T

— Racing.com (@Racing) May 21, 2025

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Samudra is set to be spelled for the spring with attention on stakes success.

“She’ll keep improving with a bit more time,” Walker said.

Alex Rae, trainer of I’mateez, said the two-year-old Capitalist colt would likely stay in work after a most promising debut.

Rae went into the 1000m event unsure how laidback I’mateez would perform under race pressure.

“He’s just been a bit plain in his work late,” Rae said.

“It was good he added a string to his bow today so he’s going to make a horse.”

Originally published as Samudra prevails in battle of blue bloods at Sandown on Wednesday