Imperatriz secures another Group 1 triumph

With 4 consecutive wins under its belt at the back end of 2023, punters and online betting sites were fascinated to see how Imperatriz would fare in 2024. 

The Black Lightning Caviar Stakes at Flemington was the next big hurdle Imperatriz had to overcome and it pass the test with flying colours.

In the cut and thrust of Group 1 racing, you are only as good as your last race and for Imperatriz, plenty of doubts were case amongst Aussie bookmakers and punters following its last outing. 
 
An underwhelming showing at Cranbourne in early February had the doubters and naysayers circling ahead of the Black Lightning Caviar Stakes at Flemington. 
 
However, the best horses always turn up when it matters, and Imperatriz showed its class to secure yet another Group 1 triumph. 
 
Class is permanent

Whilst there may have been a few lingering doubts about Imperatriz with a few punters and online betting sites following the aforementioned Cranbourne performance, they were quickly quashed at Flemington. 
 
Imperatriz was instantly up with the strong early pace over the 1000m trip and looked to have plenty in reserve as it reeled in the rest of the field to win by almost a neck. 
 
The poor showing at Cranbourne was put down to warm weather by trainer Mark Walker and Imperatriz certainly looked to be closer to its normal level here in the Black Lightning Caviar Stakes. 
 
Brilliant Bosson 

Whilst Imperatriz must of course take the plaudits for the incredible performance, it seems no coincidence that with Opie Bosson on board once more, Imperatriz is able to get the job done. 
 
The superb Kiwi jockey has forged a special relationship with Imperatriz, having rode it to its last 5 Group 1 winners and the partnership looks to be showing absolutely no sign of slowing. 
 
Bosson was quoted as saying that Imperatriz is by far the best sprinter he’s ever ridden and with success continuing to roll in, it could be a busy 2024 ahead for both horse and jockey. 
 
What next for Imperatriz? 

Having been one of the stand out performers in 2023, high hopes for Imperatriz in 2024 felt fully justified with both punters and Australian horse racing betting apps.  
 
Trainer Mark Walker has always been a little coy in relation to how far he thinks Imperatriz can go and that remained the case once more at Flemington this weekend. 
 
Regardless of how 2024 pans out, 5 consecutive Group 1 race wins for Imperatriz is hugely impressive and it puts her on a pedestal not many other horses could ever dream of reaching.

Over the past 12 months, Imperatriz has made punters and online betting sites stand up and take note by winning Group 1 races. 

She did the job once more on Saturday, winning the Black Lightning Caviar Stakes at Flemington and she looks to have a big 2024 ahead.