Amelia’s Jewel: Bigger, Stronger, Better ahead of The Quokka

You can only glean so much from barrier trials and track work, but trainer Simon Miller is rapt in how Amelia’s Jewel is going ahead of her Western Australian swan song.

Miller offered up a strong endorsement of his glamour mare and said she’s shaping up outstandingly well ahead of her return to racing next week.

Perth’s best horse has not been to the races since last year’s mixed eastern states campaign that began on a high before it ended sourly.

Amelia’s Jewel won the Let’s Elope Stakes (1400m) and Stock Stakes (1600m) in her first two Melbourne starts before a virus contributed to a surprising defeat in the Toorak Handicap (1600m).

She then suffered a nasty cut to her leg that required stitches when copping heavy interference in the $10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) at Rosehill.

Resisting a second trip to Melbourne for an autumn campaign, Miller remained home to give Amelia’s Jewel another crack at winning the $5 million The Quokka (1200m).

The four-year-old is seeking a slice of redemption after finishing a close second to Overpass in last year’s inaugural Quokka, going down by an agonising short half-head.

In an ominous sign to her upcoming rivals, Miller believes Amelia’s Jewel has improved and is a better horse than what she was in last year’s Quokka.

“I think she’s going better,” Miller said on Tabradio.

“When they travel they come back bigger, stronger, better.

“Her work has been up to the mark and she’s dialed in.

“I thought her trial was awesome and her fitness levels are real good.

“Her work yesterday (Tuesday) was crazy work and just the way she recovered.

“I would say she’s in a better position now than what she was 12-months ago.”

Identical to last year, Amelia’s Jewel will use the Group 3 Roma Cup (1100m) as her lead-up run.

The daughter of Siyouni is a clear cut $3.80 favourite for The Quokka. Overpass is next at $5.

Miller will oversee Amelia’s Jewel’s campaign for the final time and he’s hoping to go out with a bang.

The pin-up horse of WA racing will make a permanent move to Sydney after her final Perth run in The Quokka on April 20.

Miller is likely to have a second Quokka runner with Petula in line to secure a slot.

The three-year-old filly ran home powerfully for third in Saturday’s Rock Magic Stakes (1000m) at Ascot.

Petula has won four races from nine starts with the Listed Breeders’ Classic (1208m) in Bunbury her high point.