Joe Pride issues challenge to connections of NZ mare Imperatriz ahead of the Sydney autumn

Joe Pride, trainer of The Everest hero Think About It, has issued a challenge to connections of Imperatriz for a sprint showdown in Sydney next autumn.

Joe Pride with his The Everest winner Think About It

Joe Pride, trainer of The Everest hero Think About It, has issued a challenge to connections of Imperatriz for a stellar showdown between the sprinting superstars in Sydney next autumn.

“It would be good if Think About It and Imperatriz clash in the Canterbury Stakes. I think everyone wants to see them race,’’ Pride said.

Jamie Walter’s Proven Thoroughbreds which races Think About It took to social media soon after Imperatriz romped away with the Manikato Stakes last Saturday and issued the following message on X (formerly Twitter).

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“Now come back for the Canterbury Stakes next year and give the people what they want! Think About It v Imperatriz,” the post read.

Think About It and stablemate Private Eye (third in The Everest) will race one more time this spring in the $3 million Giga Kick Stakes (1300m) at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.

Connections of The Everest winner Think About It are keen for a clash with NZ star Imperatriz in Sydney during the Autumn carnival Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

Pride said he will spell both sprinters after the Giga Kick Stakes and then be readied for their autumn campaigns where Think About It is due to resume in the Group 1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m) at Royal Randwick in March.

Imperatriz ran in the Canterbury Stakes earlier this year and was run down late by Artorius.

That was the last time Imperatriz has tasted defeat as she has since reeled off four successive wins, all at The Valley, in the William Reid Stakes, McEwen Stakes, Moir Stakes and Manikato Stakes. She will have one more start this spring in the Group 1 $3m Champions Sprint at Flemington on November 9.

“Imperative is winning well but it is funny how The Valley form doesn’t always translate to other tracks,’’ Pride said.

“It will be interesting to see how she goes up the straight against a good mare like In Secret.

“The horses Imperatriz is beating up at the moment aren’t quite the A-graders but there is no doubt she is a very, very good mare.’’

Sam Clipperton, pictured with Joe Pride, will combine with Think About It once again in this Saturday’s Giga Kick Stakes Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images

Pride confirmed Think About It and Private Eye are in “great order” going into the Giga Kick Stakes.

“This will be it for my two this spring, they will be going to the paddock for a spell after Saturday.

“I won’t take either of them to Melbourne as I don’t want to bring them back in distance to 1200m or run them out at a mile either.’’

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Pride said Private Eye and Think About It are unlikely to clash during their autumn campaigns.

“Private Eye will have four weeks out and will return in the Lightning Stakes, Think About It will have six weeks out and go first-up into the Canterbury Stakes,’’ Pride said.

“They won’t clash in autumn as I’m going to take Think About It out in distance to the Doncaster Mile.’’

Originally published as Joe Pride issues challenge to connections of NZ mare Imperatriz ahead of the Sydney autumn