Imperatriz looking to silence doubters in TJ Smith Stakes
Opie Bosson attributes Imperatriz’s ascent to the top of the sprinting ranks in the past year to her remarkable resilience, emphasising her ability to remain “niggle-free.”
Trained by Mark Walker, the five-year-old star mare enters Saturday’s Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) at Randwick with an impressive ten Group 1 victories, having suffered only one defeat since her last Sydney appearance in March 2023.
Bosson, speaking to Racing NSW, highlighted Imperatriz’s remarkable consistency, stating, “She’s hardly missed a beat since then, she’s got a pretty good record.”
He further elaborated on her physical condition, noting, “I just think she’s niggle-free.
“She’s always had a lot of issues with her back but she’s overcome a lot of them with maturity and she’s got a bit stronger. She always puts in. The last two preparations have been pretty much faultless.”
Anticipating the upcoming race, Bosson expressed confidence in Imperatriz’s ability to handle the unique challenges of the Sydney track
“She’s got the form on the board. People are worried about the Sydney way around but I’m not too worried about that, she’s won that way around before back home.
“My biggest query is if we get too much rain but she has won on a heavy track.”
2024 TJ Smith Stakes Final Field
1. I Wish I Win (4)
- T: Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman
- J: James McDonald
- W: 58.5kg
- F: x23x1
- Age: 5YO
- Color: Black
- Sex: Gelding
- Sire: Savabeel
- Dam: Make A Wish (NZ)
2. Private Eye (14)
- T: Joseph Pride
- J: Blake Shinn
- W: 58.5kg
- F: 062×2
- Age: 6YO
- Color: Brown
- Sex: Gelding
- Sire: Al Maher
- Dam: Confidential Queen
3. Mazu (12)
- T: Joseph Pride
- J: Tim Clark
- W: 58.5kg
- F: 5×450
- Age: 5YO
- Color: Bay
- Sex: Gelding
- Sire: Maurice (JPN)
- Dam: Chatelaine
4. Coal Crusher (10)
- T: Joseph Pride
- J: Tyler Schiller
- W: 58.5kg
- F: 5452x
- Age: 6YO
- Color: Chestnut
- Sex: Gelding
- Sire: Turffontein
- Dam: Media Academy
5. Aft Cabin (8)
- T: James Cummings
- J: Zac Purton
- W: 58.5kg
- F: 03×94
- Age: 4YO
- Color: Bay
- Sex: Horse
- Sire: Astern
- Dam: Shelters
6. Buenos Noches (15)
- T: Matthew Smith
- J: Ben Melham
- W: 58.5kg
- F: 094×2
- Age: 4YO
- Color: Bay
- Sex: Horse
- Sire: Supido
- Dam: Koi
7. Johnny Rocker (3)
- T: Nick Ryan
- J: Mark Zahra
- W: 58.5kg
- F: 2172x
- Age: 4YO
- Color: Chestnut
- Sex: Horse
- Sire: Jukebox
- Dam: Margene
8. Imperatriz (6)
- T: Mark Walker
- J: Opie Bosson
- W: 56.5kg
- F: 121×1
- Age: 5YO
- Color: Bay
- Sex: Mare
- Sire: I Am Invincible
- Dam: Berimbau
9. Bella Nipotina (11)
- T: Ciaron Maher
- J: Craig Williams
- W: 56.5kg
- F: 454×5
- Age: 6YO
- Color: Chestnut
- Sex: Mare
- Sire: Pride of Dubai
- Dam: Bella Orfana
10. Espiona (13)
- T: Chris Waller
- J: Nash Rawiller
- W: 56.5kg
- F: 33×41
- Age: 5YO
- Color: Bay
- Sex: Mare
- Sire: Extreme Choice
- Dam: Dahooil (NZ)
11. Sunshine In Paris (7)
- T: Annabel Neasham
- J: Jason Collett
- W: 56.5kg
- F: 2x1x1
- Age: 4YO
- Color: Bay
- Sex: Mare
- Sire: Invader
- Dam: Zenaida (NZ)
12. Cylinder (7)
- T: James Cummings
- J: Jamie Kah
- W: 56.5kg
- F: 016×0
- Age: 3YO
- Color: Bay
- Sex: Colt
- Sire: Exceed And Excel
- Dam: Circular
13. Magic Time (1)
- T: Grahame Begg
- J: Michael Dee
- W: 56.5kg
- F: 6×131
- Age: 4YO
- Color: Bay
- Sex: Mare
- Sire: Hellbent
- Dam: Time Awaits
14. Chain Of Lightning (2)
- T: Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman
- J: Damian Lane
- W: 56.5kg
- F: 10×07
- Age: 5YO
- Color: Grey
- Sex: Mare
- Sire: Fighting Sun
- Dam: Magic Art
