Underrated filly Hidden Jewel continues to surprise trainer Matt Dunn and could now be set for next year’s Brisbane winter carnival following her easy win at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
Hidden Jewel ($13), the second leg of a winning double for jockey Ryan Wiggins, powered home to beat Pretty Pins ($2.50 fav) by 1-3/4 lengths in the Grace Construction Products Handicap (1500m).
Epona Princess ($13) was a further half length away third.
Dunn conceded Hidden Jewel’s recent form had surprised him.
“Up until she had her first start she hadn’t shown a lot on the track,” Dunn said.
“But I galloped her on Tuesday against an older horse and she worked sensationally.”
Dunn was at a loss to explain the filly’s sudden improvement but said he hoped it didn’t stop.
Hidden Jewel finished third on debut on a heavy track at the Gold Coast in October before scoring easily in maiden company at Eagle Farm at her previous start on Melbourne Cup day.
“Another win this campaign will be a big boost for her ratings and then she can go for a spell before coming back for the winter,” Dunn said.
“It would be nice to think she could run a Queensland Oaks trip and I’m sure she’ll easily get 1600 metres.
“She’s been running on very strongly at the end of her races so maybe she’ll get 2400 metres.”
Wiggins also felt Hidden Jewel had a big future and was capable of measuring up to the longer winter races next year.
“She’s a real nice filly and I never had to pull the stick on her at any stage,” Wiggins said.
“She needs to win another race this campaign to put her higher up the ratings for the winter and the Oaks would be a nice race for her.
“She let down like a really good horse and she’s got a very big future and looks to be well above average.”
AAP TURF
