Newmarket Handicap weights: Imperatriz to shoulder 58kg

Will Imperatriz (right), Private Eye (middle) and Espiona (left) renew acquaintances in the Newmarket Handicap?

Imperatriz, as expected, will have to carry 58kg in her bid to win Saturday's $1.5 million Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m).

Weights were released on Monday evening, and the champion Kiwi mare will carry the top weight as she aims to win her 10th Group 1.

Other notable nominations are Buenos Noches (55.5kg), Bella Nipotina (55.5kg), Private Eye (58kg), Espiona (54.5kg), Magic Time (53kg) and Ruthless Dame (53.5kg).

Private Eye, who finished second to Imperatriz in the Lightning Stakes, has also been nominated for the Challenge Stakes at Royal Randwick.

Up to 24 horses can run in the Newmarket so every horse that has been nominated will get a run if they accept on Wednesday.

???? Bhima G1 Winner ????
The Kiwi Queen does it again ???? Imperatriz (I Am Invincible x Berimbau) claims victory in the G1 Lightning S. @FlemingtonVRC under @opie_bosson for Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson – her NINTH G1!!

Huge congrats to @teakauracing & her breeders, @RafflesRacing ???? pic.twitter.com/FTbyaLcWWA

— Bhima Thoroughbreds (@BhimaTBreds) February 17, 2024

In Sydney, 13 horses have been nominated for the $750,000 weight-for-age Group 1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m) at Royal Randwick, headlined by The Everest champion, Think About It.

Bella Nipotina, Espiona and Imperatriz have all been nominated but are expected to run in the Newmarket.

Golden Slipper winner Shinzo is also nominated, however, trainer Chris Waller has indicated he is not a certain runner.

Think About It opened $1.70 with TAB fixed odds in the all-in market, and had firmed to $1.60 by 12.45pm Monday.

NEWMARKET HANDICAP WEIGHTS

IMPERATRIZ 58kg

PRIVATE EYE 58kg

BELLA NIPOTINA 55.5kg

BUENOS NOCHES 55.5kg

ESPIONA 54.5kg

RUTHLESS DAME (NZ) 53.5kg

MAGIC TIME 53kg

THE ASTROLOGIST 52.5kg

BANDERSNATCH 52.5kg

SKEW WIFF (NZ) 52kg

CHAIN OF LIGHTNING 52kg

MALKOVICH 52kg

BENEDETTA 52kg

SGHIRRIPA 52kg

IT'SOURTIME 52kg

QUEEN OF THE BALL 52kg

INDIAN PACIFIC 52kg

CROSSHAVEN 52kg

MASTER FAY 52kg

REY MAGNERIO 52kg

JOHNNY ROCKER 52kg

CYLINDER 51.5kg