Owner Peter Walsh is confident Amelia’s Jewel is capable of going one better in this year’s $5 million Quokka (1200m), following the announcement she would run in TABtouch’s slot earlier today.
The star mare was narrowly beaten when finishing second to Overpass in the inaugural edition of the Quokka last April.
She went on to win the Group 2 Let’s Elope Stakes (1400m) and Group 2 Stocks Stakes (1600m) at Flemington and Moonee Valley respectively.
The Simon Miller-trained galloper followed it up with unplaced runs in the Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) and Golden Eagle (1500m) at Caulfield and Rosehill respectively.
Despite encountering heavy interference in the home straight, Amelia’s Jewel still ran home gamely to finish less than four lengths from race winner Obamburumai in the Golden Eagle.
Walsh said the four-year-old was showing no signs of the setbacks she suffered in the $10 million event.
“She looks fantastic,” Walsh told TABradio.
“She has a few scars, of course, but she came back looking pretty well.
“She had three days at the vet and then had to fly back.
“She’s had a good long break and she’s just gone back into work on the farm.
“I think she’s the best she’s ever looked and she’s filled out into a good mare.”
The daughter of Siyouni won the Group 3 Roma Cup (1100m) a fortnight before the 2023 Quokka and she’s set to follow the same path leading up to this year’s Quokka.
Walsh said he expected Amelia’s Jewel would need to elevate to a new level to win this year’s Quokka.
“I’ve got a feeling it’s going to be one of the best fields assembled and it will be one of the best race days we’re ever going to have in WA,” he said.
“We didn’t know we’d be back there.
“We are very thrilled and happy to be racing in WA again.”
Amelia’s Jewel is expected to take on Overpass again in this year’s Quokka, with the RAM Racing Syndicate set to team up with the Bjorn Baker-trained galloper again.
Amelia’s Jewel is the $4 TAB favourite for the Quokka, with Overpass one of several runners on the second line with betting sites at $6.