David Ellis and his Te Akau Racing Syndicates are renowned for their success from purchasing out of the Karaka sale ring, but it was an I Am Invincible two year-old filly sourced from Magic Millions in Australia that had them in the winner’s list at Otaki on Thursday.
The Jamie Richards trained Imperatriz overcame a wide drawn and heavy 10 ground to score a short neck win on debut in the 1000m juvenile contest as favourite.
“She was a filly that the more we did early with her, the better she became and it was good tough first-up win,” said Jamie Richards.
“We gave her a bit and she trialled well at Matamata. Her action suggested she might appreciate soft ground and while having some troubles with her in the barriers, she is getting better.
“She missed the kick, but scooted up behind them quickly and it was a nice ride by Danielle (Johnson). She handled the wet, testing conditions, and we’d expect her to improve with it.
“We’ll take our time with her, but she could be seen around Christmas time at Ellerslie. She has a terrific pedigree and the team at the Uni Barn have managed her well. Troy (Harris) has spent a fair of time educating her, at the jump outs and trials, and a big thank you to him too.”
Imperatriz was bought for $360,000 at Magic Millions from the Bhima Thoroughbreds draft by David Ellis and is the second foal and first winner for Berimbau a Group II placed Shamardal (USA) mare from the family of Group II winner Royal Courtship.
Bhima Thoroughbreds will offer the current yearling from Berimbau, a filly by Fastnet Rock, as Lot 96 at the 2021 Magic Millions.
