Amelia’s Jewel has firmed in pre-post betting for the G1 W S Cox Plate (2040m) following a record-breaking victory in the G2 Stocks Stakes (1600m) on Friday evening at Moonee Valley
The WA mare is a $4.40 second favourite behind Hong Kong Champion Romantic Warrior (Ire) who heads markets at $3.60.
Settling in unfamiliar territory tracking tearaway Pride Of Jenni, the Amelia Park homebred (pictured) collared the leader and then took care of business to win eased down by three-quarters of a length. She clocked 1:34.37s to lower the old mark set by Lubiton in 2017.
Whether Amelia’s Jewel stays in Melbourne for the $5 million Cox Plate or travels to Sydney for the $10 million Golden Eagle at Rosehill will be announced on Sunday by owner-breeder Peter Walsh and trainer Simon Miller.
Miller has always favoured a start in Australia’s WFA Championship despite the fact she will be on trial over 2040m for half the prizemoney. “The Cox Plate is on the cards,” he said after welcoming the mare back to scale.
“She’s just broken a track record so she can clearly handle the pressure. She can absorb it and then go. She can still improve, too. Her coat is improving and she’s not screwed down yet.”
Amelia’s Jewel (4m Siyouni – Bumbasina by Canford Cliffs) travelled east as a Group 1 winner of the 2022 Northerly Stakes (1800m) at Ascot to win first-up in the G2 Let’s Elope Stakes (1400m) at Flemington a fortnight ago.
She adapted to The Valley like a local on Friday night to improve her record to 9 wins in 11 starts for earnings over $2.74 million. “The leader made a real race of it and we may not have caught her if we were further back in the pack,” winning jockey Damian Lane admitted. “She’s an exciting mare and I would recommend she stays in Melbourne.”
Peter Walsh was trackside with his wife Annie and daughter Sam and he was overwhelmed by the support from Melbourne racegoers for his superstar. “They’ve really embraced her. I feel like a rat with a gold tooth and didn’t even have time to have a drink in the owners’ bar!
“It’s a great thrill and it’s great for racing here and in Western Australia. The texts from back home have been amazing.”
The Amelia Park brand has also continued its successful run at Belmont in recent weeks with multiple winners Royal Toronado (Toronado), Sofia’s Symphony (Smart Missile) and Buckets Ridge (Pride Of Dubai).
