Annabel Neasham is still learning about high profile mare Amelia’s Jewel but believes the five-year-old Group 1 winner is right on track for some lofty Spring goals.
She will line up in Saturday’s Group 2 Golden Pendant (1400m) against her own sex at Rosehill having finished second to Royal Patronage in the Group 2 Tramway Stakes (1400m) at her first run for the stable.
Neasham, who trains in partnership with Rob Archibald, was happy with Amelia’s Jewel return in the Tramway when second, beaten 1.3 lengths by Royal Patronage.
“I thought it was a pretty good run. They went flat out, they went a really strong tempo and she closed off really well. I was happy with it,” Neasham said.
“It was her first up run, we’re still learning about her, I don’t think she could’ve done much more from where she was in the field.”
The last two times Amelia’s Jewel has faced off against her own sex she’s been victorious, winning the Group 2 Let’s Elope Stakes (1400m) and Group 2 Stocks Stakes (1600m) in Melbourne twelve months ago.
Neasham believes Amelia’s Jewel has come on from her first up run and has her eye on Sydney riches after Saturday.
We thought we’d go three weeks into the Golden Pendant and then we’ll see but possibly the King Charles next,” Neasham said.
The Group 1 King Charles III Stakes (1600m), worth $5 million, is scheduled to be run three weeks from Saturday on October 19th, where Amelia’s Jewel would likely face off against the top mares in the country in Pride Of Jenni and Fangirl, but Neasham is happy to take it one run at a time.
“She’s good, going well. I’m really happy with her. We just thought we’d give her three weeks between runs and see where we’re at after that,” Neasham said.
“Her work has been good, Tommy (Berry) sticks, she should run well.”
Amelia’s Jewel is a $3.50 second favourite for the Golden Pendant behind potential Everest contender Joliestar at even money.
