Talented mare Makarena has put a valuable Group win on the board, claiming the scalp of Amelia’s Jewel to win the Golden Pendant at Rosehill.
The mare was forced to do the bullocking work behind runaway leader Belclere first-up in the Sheraco Stakes (1200m) and did a good job to fight on for fourth, but able to camp off a more moderate tempo in Saturday’s 1400m feature, she proved too strong.
“She showed her true colours today,” co-trainer Michael Hawkes said.
“It was all about trying to get her in a rhythm. Last start, nothing really went right for her, she was made to chase, the horse went off out in front and nothing went to plan.
“Today was a different race, 1400, Zac (Lloyd) got her into a beautiful rhythm and she travelled well.”
Makarena ($4.60) rounded the turn full of running and found plenty for Lloyd to score by 1-1/4 lengths over Amelia’s Jewel ($2.80 betting fav), who appeared to have every chance to run her down.
Arctic Glamour ($9.50) was doing her best work late for third, another half-neck away.
Twice placed in black-type company during the autumn, Makarena underwent surgery for a throat issue prior to her current campaign and Hawkes felt it had made a significant difference.
“I’ve always thought she is a Group One filly. Last prep, she had that throat, and we just had to push on,” Hawkes said.
“We gave her the tie-back operation to get her right and she is just a really, free-flowing sort of filly. She is definitely going somewhere.
“It was just about getting the Group win under her belt and she has got that now, which is great.”
Team Hawkes will let the dust settle before fixing a plan for Makarena, but The Invitation (1400m) at Randwick on October 26 and Golden Eagle (1500m) at Rosehill a week later are among the options.
“She is only second-up today so she is in for a really nice prep,” Hawkes said.
“The Invitation is there, Golden Eagle. It’s all there. There’s no rush.”
Tropical Squall disappointed for the second time this campaign, dropping out to finish last after leading, with jockey Adam Hyeronimus unable to offer an excuse.
“Today was D-day. She probably didn’t go as well as she can. If she did, she beats those horses. I guess they’ll look at her future now,” Hyeronimus said.
Tommy Berry wasn’t disappointed in Amelia’s Jewel’s effort and said she raced like a horse looking for further.
“It felt like she was looking for a mile today,” Berry said.
“Even though the track is drying out, it has been well documented on firm ground is where she is best suited. We’ll let the dust settle, proud of her efforts and see where we go from there.”