It has been more than nine months since Mark Zahra rode Jameka in a race and he is thrilled to be reunited with the filly in the Group One Thousand Guineas.
Zahra picked up the ride on the Ciaron Maher-trained Jameka in Saturday’s Thousand Guineas at Caulfield after Damien Oliver was suspended for careless riding at Flemington on Sunday.
In December last year, Zahra rode Jameka when she finished second on debut at Bendigo.
“I liked her then, so I rang Ciaron when Ollie got time and said `I’m about due for another go on her’,” Zahra said.
“It’s a great pick-up.
“I worked her this morning and I reckon she’s spot-on for Saturday. I couldn’t fault her.”
Jameka has filled the minor placing in her two starts this campaign in the Atlantic Jewel Stakes and the Thousand Guineas Prelude.
She steps to 1600m for the first time on Saturday which Maher expects to suit the filly.
Jameka is at $11 and has barrier nine in the field of 11 with Stay With Me favourite at $4.20 just ahead of Pasadena Girl at $4.40.
Zahra doesn’t believe there is a lot between some of the fillies in Saturday’s race.
“And she’s ready to go third-up,” he said.
