Te Akau Racing have locked in the next assignment for their star sprinter Imperatriz, with the nine-time Group One winner looking to add to her elite-level tally in the Gr.1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington next Saturday.

The daughter of I Am Invincible was victorious first-up in the Gr.1 Black Caviar Lightning (1000m) at the Melbourne track last month, putting to bed any doubts following a lacklustre trial.

Te Akau Racing was considering heading to Sydney to tackle the Gr.1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m) at Randwick on the same day but have opted to stay close to their Cranbourne base.

“Careful consideration was given to both Sydney and Melbourne options for that date and a number of factors (pros and cons) determined the decision by the team of David (Ellis, Te Akau principal), Mark (Walker, trainer), Karyn (Fenton-Ellis, Te Akau Racing director & Ben (Gleeson, assistant trainer),” Te Akau Racing posted on X.

“With her main end targets remaining the William Reid (Gr.1, 1200m) at The Valley & TJ Smith (Gr.1, 1200m) at Royal Randwick, we believe this is in the mare's best interests.”

Imperatriz had a hit-out at The Valley on Friday morning, pleasing her connections.

“She enjoyed her track gallop at The Valley this morning, her work was excellent,” they said.