Star mare Amelia’s Jewel had her first track gallop at Moonee Valley this morning (Monday) and passed it with flying colours, according to trainer, Simon Miller.
“She went around 1000 evens and home in 400 and was good, she scooted around,” Simon Miller told Tabtouch.
“I must admit I thought she may have clocked off up the straight, but she didn’t and ran through the line.
“She ran 11.6 secs the last furlong and I thought she was going a bit slower than that, but that’s what she does, you know.
“It was a nice piece of work and frosty (Damian Lane) was happy, she recovered well and we are all set for Friday night.”
Amelia’s Jewel tackles the G2 Stocks Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley on Friday night, a fortnight after her heroics at Flemington.
The four-year-old launched her interstate campaign in the best possible fashion with a dominant victory in the G2 Let’s Elope Stakes (1600m).
Miller says there is further improvement to come from Amelia’s Jewel.
“We still have room for improvement, fitness and also her coat, her coats not through yet,” Miller said.
“It’s not our grand final on Friday night either, but we’re heading in the right direction.”
Following her work this morning, Miller remains confident Moonee Valley’s tight circuit won’t pose a danger to Amelia’s Jewel on Friday.
“I think she will get around it,” Miller said.
“She gets around Ascot and that’s a tight turning track with a short straight.”
Miller says the Stocks Stakes, a race Lane won a year ago on Daisies, will be crucial on plans moving forward.
Conjecture continues to swirl as to whether Amelia’s Jewel races in Sydney or remains in Melbourne for the Cox Plate.
“The easiest path is to roll into the Toorak Handicap (1600m) and stay in Melbourne,” Miller said.
“Then it sets you up for a Golden Eagle or Cox Plate and you keep both alive.
“If you go to a King Charles you probably stay for the Golden Eagle.
“It’s a good problem to have, whichever way you go, but we’ll get through Friday night.
“No doubt Frosty will play a part as well.”