Ciaron Maher is banking on the versatility of Jameka to overcome a wide draw in the ATC Australian Derby.
The only filly in Saturday’s 13-horse field, Jameka drew the second widest barrier in the Group One Classic at Randwick.
Jameka
While Maher would have preferred a draw closer to the fence, he said Jameka could race forward, midfield or back.
Jameka led throughout to win the 2500m VRC Oaks at Flemington last spring on a wet track while coming from a rearward position when second to Stay With Me in the Thousand Guineas at Caulfield.
“She led in the Oaks, she sat back in the (Australian) Guineas,” Maher said.
“She went forward in the Rosehill Guineas, she was back in the Thousand Guineas and she was forward in the Vase.
“She’s very adaptable.
“We’ll just work out the speed map and ride her accordingly.”
Damien Oliver, who rode her to victory in the Oaks and has been aboard in her three runs this campaign, has the task of piloting the daughter of Myboycharlie from her draw on Saturday.
She sits of the third line of betting following Tuesday’s barrier draw at $7.
Rosehill Guineas winner Tarzino is the $2 top elect with last-start Alister Clark Stakes winner Tally second choice at $6.
Maher scratched Jameka from the Vinery Stud Stakes to target Saturday’s race with the option of backing up in the ATC Australian Oaks on Saturday week.
Had Maher elected to run the filly at Rosehill last week, Saturday’s race would have been her third run in as many weeks.
Jameka was a last-start third to Tarzino in the Rosehil Guineas on March 19.
“We just decided we were going to run this week, but it’s been a bit of a juggling act,” Maher said.
“You would rather do your back-up in your last run of a campaign rather than at your second-last run.
“Her work since the (Rosehill) Guineas has been super and she’s going into Saturday’s race fit and in great form.”
