21-05-2025
Samudra prevails in battle of blue bloods at Sandown on Wednesday
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.
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.'
The blue-blooded Samudra grits her teeth, staving off the challenge of her opponents to make a winning debut 🙌
Odds on backers won't want that again 😅 @BMelham
â€' (@Racing) May 21, 2025
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.'
