Amelia’s Jewel shoots for Group 2 glory in Sydney on Saturday and Rob Archibald is confident the star Perth-owned mare can strike an early blow at Randwick.
Archibald and co-trainer Annabel Neasham welcome back Amelia’s Jewel in the Guy Walter Stakes (1400m) and they anticipate she can record an elusive victory.
Amelia’s Jewel transferred to the care of Archibald and Neasham a year ago and despite racing well she ultimately just failed to land a killer blow for her new stable.
She raced on five occasions in Sydney and Melbourne and was never further back than fifth with three minor black-type placings added to her racing resume.
On debut for her new trainers, she ran second in the Tramway (1400m), followed up with the same finishing position in the Golden Pendant (1400m) and was beaten a head by Atishu in the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) at Flemington.
Archibald says Amelia’s Jewel, with two warm up trials, is well prepared for her first up assignment against eight rivals in the Guy Walter Stakes.
“She looks fantastic and hasn’t really missed a beat,” Archibald said on Tabradio.
“Two good trials and everyone is very happy with her.
“She’s moving really well and from our point of view we’re really happy with her.
“We’re certainly expecting a good first-up run on Saturday.”
Archibald said there are no set plans for Amelia’s Jewel after her return in the Guy Walter Stakes, preferring to leave all options on the table.
“There are so many options for her,” Archibald said.
“There’s an abundance, but potentially the Coolmore.
“There’s a Doncaster Prelude, the Doncaster, everything is open at this stage.
“We just want to get the first one out of the road and go from there.”
After Pat Carbery, Damian Lane, Tommy Berry and Jamie Melham previously, James McDonald is the next star hoop to take the reins on Amelia’s Jewel.
McDonald and Amelia’s Jewel start from barrier eight.
“We’ll see how we go on Saturday, that will obviously tell us a lot more,” Archibald said.
“From our point of view there are not going to be any excuses.
“She goes there in excellent order.”
The Guy Walter Stakes has a distinct West Australian flavour with Alsephina locked in for her first race back after a successful campaign in Melbourne last year.
Prepared by big race specialists, Grant and Alana Williams, Alsephina reached a high by claiming the Group 2 Stock Stakes (1514m) at Moonee Valley.
Her maiden interstate victory sat nestled between a third in the Group 2 Let’s Elope Stakes (1400m) and Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m).
The Perth duo head Tabtouch markets with Amelia’s Jewel the $2.40 favourite and Alsephina at $3.90.
Alsephina has drawn barrier five with Kerrin McEvoy her riding partner.
Julio Santarelli