Te Akau Racing has confirmed Imperatriz (I Am Invincible) will contest next Saturday’s Gr.1 Newmarket handicap (1200m) at Flemington.

The star mare was either going to run in the Flemington feature or head to Sydney to contest the Gr.1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m) at Randwick on the same day, but the stable has decided she will remain in Melbourne.

“Careful consideration was given to both Sydney & Melbourne options for that date and a number of factors (pros and cons) determined the decision by the team of David (Ellis), Mark (Walker), Karyn (Fenton-Ellis) & Ben (Gleeson),” a social media post read.

With the Gr.1 William Reid (1200m) and Gr.1 T.J. Smith Stakes (1200m) the star sprinter’s ultimate goals for the campaign, the Te Akau team determined running in the Newmarket is in the nine-time Group One winner’s best interests.

Imperatriz had another track gallop at Moonee Valley on Friday morning, with her work ‘excellent’ according to Te Akau Racing.

Imperatriz is the $2.30 favourite for the 1200-metre sprint, with the confirmation of the stable’s intention resulting in her price being crunched from $3.50.