The victory by Imperatriz was the perfect start for a new venture of New Zealand-based Te Akau Racing who recently opened a satellite stable at Cranbourne.
Imperatriz was the stable’s first runner, and the mare is unbeaten in two runs at The Valley having taken out the Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) in the autumn.
Ben Glesson, who is running the Australian arm for trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson, said it had been a huge day for the stable after landing four winners at Hastings including the Group 1 Tarzino Trophy with Skew Wiff.
“It’s a huge relief, four winners and a Group One so a huge day for the team,” Gleeson said.
“Big credit to the team at home, Mark and Sam sent her to me in incredible order.
“The improvement I saw in her from when I saw her after two weeks ago in New Zealand … incredible group of staff, it just speaks volumes to the whole operation that she’s turned up and shown us today.”
Gleeson said plans for Imperatriz were to return to Moonee Valley for the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m) on September 29 and the Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) on October 28.
Jockey Michael Dee said he was concerned when Giga Kick went around him approaching the hometurn, but was impressed with the mare’s burst of speed.
“I was a little bit concerned when Giga Kick came around,” Dee said.
“I know she’s got a great turn of foot as we’ve all seen in the past and as it turned out I pressed the button too soon because we hit the front in three or four strides from sixth in the run.
“Opie (Bosson) said to me yesterday she’s got the best turn of foot of a horse that he’s ever felt and I’ve gotta say she’s probably the best one I’ve ever felt.”
