Trainer David Hayes believes Jaameh has what it takes to be a Melbourne Cup contender and will now try to secure the imported stayer a place in the famous race.
Jaameh ($5.50) bounced back from a disappointing last start showing at Caulfield to win Saturday’s JDRF Pin & Win Plate (2500m) at Flemington by a length over Japanese-bred import Hush Writer ($5)..
Hayes indicated The Bart Cummings over the same course and distance would likely be Jaameh’s next target, with that race carrying a Melbourne Cup ballot exemption for the winner.
“We’re shooting for the stars,” Hayes said.
“He’ll be heading towards probably The Bart Cummings to secure a 2018 Melbourne Cup slot and then we can dream.”
Hayes said Jaameh over-raced back in the field in a slowly run race last start when finishing last of the eight runners over 2400m.
The six-year-old had won impressively at Flemington the start before and Hayes was pleased by the way jockey Mark Zahra was able to get him to settle on Saturday.
“To win these big staying races you need to relax,” he said.
“It’s good to have him back on track and I think he beat a pretty progressive young horse.”
