Amelia’s Jewel wins the Let’s Elope Stakes at Flemington
A wide barrier over the 1400m course at Flemington is one that is usually frowned upon.
But it was no concern for Perth mare at her first run on the eastern seaboard when she took out the Group 2 Let’s Elope Stakes (1400m) on Saturday.
Jockey Damian Lane took his medicine early aboard the $1.95 favourite and had just four horses behind Amelia’s Jewel in the early stages.
Lane eased Amelia’s Jewel into clear air soon after straightening where she unleased a powerful finishing burst to claim Life Lessons ($31) to win by a length with El Patroness ($101) a half-length away third.
Trainer Simon Miller, a former Melburnian, said there was a lot of improvement to come from Amelia’s Jewel following her victory in mares’ company on Saturday.
Miller is planning a start in the Group 2 Stocks Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley on September 29, after which a decision will be made in which the mare will head.
Options include a trip to Sydney for The Golden Eagle (1500m) at Rosehill or remain in Melbourne for the Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) at Caulfield and the Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley.
“The exciting thing from our point of view is she’s not screwed down yet so we’ve got plenty of wiggle room to go,” Miller said.
“This is just a nice starting point for her and when he (Lane) hadn’t moved on straightening I was like ‘this is an easy watch’.
“Without being arrogant, he hadn’t gone full throttle, so I thought ‘at least we’re going to be in the finish’.”
Miller is staying at Flemington after usually stabling his horses at Caulfield on previous trips.
“Lee Jordon and Bec (Caesar) have helped us out heaps and Nick Ryan, he’s putting up with us,” Miller said.
“I’m so proud of her, proud of my staff, they do an amazing job.”
Lane said Amelia’s Jewel cruised up to opposition, but then floated once she hit the front.
“I dead-set felt like I was in second gear when I got to Life Lessons,” Lane said.
“And then we got a half-length in front and she just went to put the cue in the rack, so she’s still I daresay got more in the tank.
“The good horses do that. She’s obviously got a great turn of foot, she pulls up fairly fine, both times I’ve ridden her, trial and race day, so that to me says she’s doing it very easily.
“She’s an exciting horse.”
Amelia's Jewel gets the job done in the Let's Elope! ?@Simon_Miller_ @LaneDamian pic.twitter.com/AGrumuZvgX
— 7HorseRacing ? (@7horseracing) September 16, 2023
More Racing News
Lockwood's filly Extreme Taste faces draw challenge
Trainer Barry Lockwood initially commented that there wasn't much to say about his filly Extreme Taste "because she hasn't won yet," but upon further discussion, he is considerably more positive about her chances of success at Ipswich on Wednesday.Extreme Taste, a maiden after three starts, is set to compete in...
Sir Les refining his racecraft under Carmody's guidance
Craig Carmody is diligently working with promising three-year-old Sir Les, aiming to harness the gelding's natural talent, a skill he witnessed with the horse's dam, Everage, who also achieved stakes success.Sir Les, by All Too Hard, displayed impressive form winning his first two outings before a narrow fifth-place finish in...
Tennessee Bound to bypass Caulfield for Sandown assignment
While Tennessee Bound would likely be a leading contender for favouritism in the Caulfield race she is entered for, trainer Ciaron Maher is intent on continuing his measured approach with the undefeated mare.Consequently, the four-year-old is expected to make her next start in Wednesday's 1200-metre Evergreen Turf Handicap at Sandown.The...
Bellatrix Star's comeback looms in the Sir John Monash Stakes
Mark Walker is proceeding with caution regarding the return of the classy mare Bellatrix Star, based on his experiences with her over the past two seasons.This Saturday, the mare is expected to make her reappearance in the $200,000 Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes at Caulfield.The 1100-metre weight-for-age race will...
Hard Kick's preparation for major spring sprint begins
The traditional winter period typically isn't a springboard for success in the Coolmore Stud Stakes, but the Lindsay Park training team is pinning its hopes on Hard Kick.The unexposed gelding is poised to commence a campaign that has its sights set on the lucrative $2 million Group 1 sprint for...
Music Time set for Kosciuszko path in spring
Trainer Gratz Vella has confirmed that Music Time will be pointed towards The Kosciuszko during the Sydney spring carnival, foregoing the Group 1 Golden Rose for three-year-olds.Vella highlighted the irresistible appeal of The Kosciuszko for country trainers and indicated that the Golden Slipper placegetter might be better suited to the...
Tim Clark sees great potential in By Choice's return
Despite Tulloch Lodge's usual high benchmarks, their two-year-old season has been somewhat subdued. Nevertheless, their primary stable jockey, Tim Clark, anticipates that the current crop of youngsters will more than make up for lost ground as they transition to three-year-old racing.Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott have seen 14 juvenile winners...
Sheza Alibi's move back to Pakenham imminent
The serious phase of training is fast approaching for Sheza Alibi.The exciting filly is drawing near the end of her northern sojourn in Queensland and will soon be repatriated to the Pakenham stable operated by Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman.The daughter of Saxon Warrior journeyed north following her stunning victory...
Cellarmaster triumphs in a tight finish to claim the Winx Guineas
In a thrilling conclusion, Cellarmaster ($5.50) narrowly pipped Platinum Pantheon ($6.50) at the post, with Rustemo ($8.50) trailing in third, more than a length adrift.Leading bookmakers noted Cellarmaster's winning dividend at $5.50, while the favoured runner Within The Law ($2.60) failed to live up to expectations despite being heavily supported.The...
James Healy celebrates first stakes win with Arabian Rose in Glasshouse Handicap
Sunshine Coast trainer James Healy has secured his maiden stakes victory thanks to the unheralded mare Arabian Rose, who triumphed in the Listed Glasshouse Handicap on her home track at Caloundra.Initially listed as the third emergency when final acceptors were declared, Arabian Rose's place in the field was uncertain, with...