Decision made: Imperatriz to return to Flemington for Newmarket Handicap on March 9

Te Akau Racing has decided to run Imperatriz in the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington next Saturday — instead of taking her to Sydney.

Imperatriz wins the Lightning Stakes.

Sprint queen Imperatriz will contest the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on March 9.

After tossing up between Melbourne and Sydney targets on Saturday week, Te Akau Racing on Friday confirmed its decision.

Imperatriz worked strongly at The Valley on Friday before trainer Mark Walker.

Favourite Imperatriz firmed $3.50 to $2.50 with TAB after the decision to run in the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) instead of the Group 1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m) in Sydney.

Imperatriz, an eight-time Group 1 winner, including the Lightning Stakes (1000m) and Champions Sprint (1200m) at Flemington, “worked nicely” on Friday.

“I think if anything she’s probably come on from the Lightning Stakes,” Walker said.

Superstar mare Imperatriz (outside) gallops at The Valley this morning.

Trainer Mark Walker still undecided whether she runs in next Saturday’s Newmarket Handicap at Flemington or the Canterbury Stakes at Randwick.

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Imperatriz is slated to be the equal top weight in the Newmarket with 58kg alongside Private Eye.

Private Eye, trained by Joe Pride, was runner-up to Imperatriz in the Lightning Stakes last start.

Imperatriz carried 59kg to victory in New Zealand last year.

“She can carry the weight (58kg),” Walker said.

The champion mare has feasted on weight-for-age sprints the past 12 months, with 56.5kg on her back.

Walker said the William Reid Stakes (March 23) at The Valley remained on the agenda before the TJ Smith Stakes (April 6) in Sydney.

“They are the two obvious targets,” Walker said.

Imperatriz has won her past six starts, including five at the highest level.

Her last defeat was in the Canterbury Stakes last year, touched off by Artorius.

“We’re grateful and lucky she’s in the stable,” Walker said.

“She’s No.1 now (best horse Walker has trained), I think probably No.1 of all the horses (Te Akau boss) David (Ellis) has bought over the years and he’s bought a lot of good ones, but I think she’d rank at the top now.”

Fellow Newmarket Handicap contenders Buenos Noches and Magic Time tuned up on Friday with an 800m straight jumpout at Flemington.

Originally published as Decision made: Imperatriz to return to Flemington for Newmarket Handicap on March 9