High hopes for Amelia’s Jewel in Guy Walter Stakes return
Archibald and Annabel Neasham are eager to see Amelia’s Jewel make her return in the Guy Walter Stakes (1400m), hoping she can finally clinch a long-awaited victory.
Since moving to their stable a year ago, Amelia’s Jewel has shown consistent form but has yet to secure a win under their banner. Competing in both Sydney and Melbourne, she never finished lower than fifth in five starts, earning three black-type placings.
She made a strong impression on debut for her new trainers, finishing second in the Tramway (1400m), repeating the result in the Golden Pendant (1400m), and coming within a head of victory in the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) at Flemington, where she was narrowly beaten by Atishu.
After completing two trials, Archibald is confident Amelia’s Jewel is primed for her first-up challenge against eight competitors in the Guy Walter Stakes.
“She’s looking fantastic and hasn’t put a foot wrong,” Archibald shared on Tabradio. “She’s had two strong trials, and the whole team is very pleased with her.”
“She’s moving well, and from our perspective, we’re optimistic about her first-up performance on Saturday.”
Archibald has not locked in future plans for Amelia’s Jewel beyond this race.
“She has a lot of options available,” he said. “The Coolmore is a possibility, as well as the Doncaster Prelude and the Doncaster itself. We’ll see how she goes on Saturday and make decisions from there.”
James McDonald will take the reins of Amelia’s Jewel, following previous rides by Pat Carbery, Damian Lane, Tommy Berry, and Jamie Melham. She has drawn barrier eight.
“Saturday’s race will give us a clearer picture,” Archibald said. “She’s in fantastic condition, so there should be no excuses.”
The Guy Walter Stakes also features Alsephina, who returns to the track following a successful campaign in Melbourne last year.
Trained by Grant and Alana Williams, Alsephina’s biggest success came with a victory in the Group 2 Stock Stakes (1514m) at Moonee Valley. She also placed third in the Group 2 Let’s Elope Stakes (1400m) and competed strongly in the Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m).
According to the latest betting sites odds, Amelia’s Jewel is the $2.40 favorite, while Alsephina sits at $3.90.
Alsephina has drawn barrier five, with Kerryn McEvoy set to ride.
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