Glamour mare Amelia’s Jewel took the first step towards the $5 million Quokka (1200m) when finishing a close second in a Belmont trial this morning (Monday).
Restrained to last in a four horse trial by jockey, Patrick Carbery, Amelia’s Jewel closed off her 1000m heat strongly when chasing down pacesetter, Bopping Blue.
Amelia’s Jewel stood Bopping Blue a big margin entering the home straight, as much as six lengths, and was doing her best work late in an encouraging hit out.
The Simon Miller-trained four-year-old was having her first official public appearance since last year’s Golden Eagle (1500m) at Rosehill when finishing 11th .
Earlier in Melbourne she took out dual Group 2 races in the Let’s Elope at Flemington (1400m) and defeated Pride Of Jenni in the Stock Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley.
Owner-breeder Peter Walsh said it was the perfect hit out for Amelia’s Jewel with Perth’s richest race, The Quokka, still a month away.
“Patrick (Carbery) reported she felt absolutely excellent,” Walsh told The Races WA.
“He just allowed her to find her feet and hit the line.
“She blew quite a bit but felt magnificent.
“Patty was very, very happy with her.
“She’s got a bit to go yet and her grand final is still four weeks away.”
Carbery will partner Amelia’s Jewel when first up in the Roma Cup.
Damian Lane will take over for The Quokka on April 20.
Tabtouch has Amelia’s Jewel currently rated the $4 Quokka favourite with online bookmakers, ahead of last year’s champion, Overpass.
The Bjorn Baker-trained Overpass showed he was on target for his Quokka defense when leading all the way to win his 900m trial at Rosehill on Monday.
Bopping Blue and Amelia’s Jewel stopped the clock at 59.29secs and 59.30secs respectively in their one-two finish.
Overpass ran 54.34secs in his 900m heat
