Samudra prevails in battle of blue bloods at Sandown
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Rich pedigrees were on display at Sandown on Wednesday with blue-blood juveniles Samudra and I'mateez fighting out a hotly contested 1000m 2YO Handicap.
Fast filly Samudra, a $750,000 daughter of super stallion Snitzel out of Group 1 winner Pippie denied I'mateez, the half-brother of 10-time Group 1 winner Imperatriz.
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Trainer Mark Walker, who ironically conditioned Te Akau champion Imperatriz during her career was most pleased with Samudra's last 100m under pressure from I'mateez and third-placed Latin Boss.
Latin Boss went stride for stride with Samurdra through the first 800m and only relented late.
'(Samudra) was under a lot of pressure but she really dug deep and found,' Walker said.
'Probably going forward she's going to be a better chaser than leader.
'You would've thought she was all done at the 100m but that natural (talent), mum's (Pippie) ability kicked in and she's going to be a much nicer three-year-old, that's for sure.' â€' Racing.com (@Racing) May 21, 2025
• Nichols to unveil well-bred filly after breeder's bad luck
Samudra is set to be spelled for the spring with attention on stakes success.
'She'll keep improving with a bit more time,' Walker said.
Alex Rae, trainer of I'mateez, said the two-year-old Capitalist colt would likely stay in work after a most promising debut.
Rae went into the 1000m event unsure how laidback I'mateez would perform under race pressure.
'He's just been a bit plain in his work late,' Rae said.
'It was good he added a string to his bow today so he's going to make a horse.'
Originally published as Samudra prevails in battle of blue bloods at Sandown on Wednesday Horse Racing
A Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott filly can go back-to-back after breaking her maiden. BEST BETS, INSIDE MAIL Horse Racing
Adam Watt of Dynamic Syndications makes a strong case four of their runners at Goulburn starting with Tact and ending with a $10 shot knocking on the door for his first win.
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