Imperious Girl too classy

Bruce Stewart Journalist

“The plugs were still in. I didn’t have to urge her, she just cruised up on her own. I think she’s got a bright future,” said trainer driver Craig Ferguson after Imperious Girl (Imperial Count) won impressively on debut at the Wairio meeting today.

After beginning well from the inside, Imperious Girl slotted three back into the inside running line with Phishing making the pace.

“On a wet day tucked away with all those horses around her is all new for her, but she’s quite the professional. It didn’t seem to worry her too much and I’d say she’ll take a lot from it.”

When Kracka Karma broke at the 500 Ferguson was able to ease his filly off the inside and when Blarney Stone came out three wide, Ferguson hopped onto his back. Blarney Stone hit the lead heading for the winning post but Imperious Girl powered up and came home strongly to win by one and a quarter lengths with seven and a half lengths back to Daisymerollin.

“I sort of thought that something was bound to make a mistake or a few might get tired. You’re never 100% confident when you’re locked away on the pegs like that. I wasn’t panicking because I thought all she needed was a gap and she’s got the speed to utilise it.”

Ferguson says Imperious Girl is well gaited and has very good manners.

“It gives you options. It means she can settle in behind, she can lead as well. I think she’s tough and has got a bit of speed. So far she’s ticking all the boxes.”

Imperious Girl was bred by Brian Norman and is out of The Sweedish Filly who won two races for Brian Norman. She is a half sister to The Fiery Ginga who won twenty eight races and over $400,000.

Imperious Girl’s early education was done by Norman who owns her, before he passed her over to Ferguson who qualified her.

The win was one of two for Ferguson. He also won on the Chelsea Faithful trained Ideal Crown in the Nightcaps Contracting Mobile Pace.