Jameka returned to winning form with a simply outstanding victory in the 2017 The BMW at Rosehill Gardens this afternoon.
Jameka claimed a third Group 1 win in the 2017 The BMW. Photo by: Steve Hart
Jameka went into The BMW as a clear favourite following the scratching of Our Ivanhowe and Hugh Bowman had the mare in a lovely rhythm in second position, while Lasqueti Spirit was several lengths clear of the rest of the field.
Lasqueti Spirit quickly came back to the field and Jameka took up the running a long way from home, but she continued to extend her lead and proved too strong for Humidor and Exospheric to claim her third Group 1 victory.
Trainer Ciaron Maher was quick to pay credit to the work that his entire team have done with Jameka this preparation and he was clearly delighted to see his star mare record another Group 1 victory.
“It is a credit to the team to get her here today,” Maher said.
“It was one of her target races and we were just rapt to get it done.
“It was a beautiful ride from Hughie.
“She travels well and when she can bowl along where she is happy she can generally produce her best.
“It was a super effort today.”
Ciaron Maher has suggested that Jameka could make a trip to the United Kingdom for races like the King George and even the Group 1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (2400m) and Maher confirmed after The BMW that those plans are still on the cards.
“We always said one step at a time and that we would get through this prep,” Maher said.
“There is a bit of a program there and she definitely seems in super order.
“It is a great conundrum to have.
“I might not get the same rider in the Queen Elizabeth and we will just let the dust settle.
“She is in super form and she is flying.”
Bowman received some criticism for his ride on Jameka in the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) when she finished a gallant second and he believes that tough effort had her in the perfect position for The BMW this afternoon.
“What a mare she is,” Bowman said.
“She put the writing on the wall in the Australian Cup three weeks ago.
“It was some performance, she did all the work early and she was really softened up.
“I had her to extend early when the pressure built and she didn’t let me down.
“It was a winning performance that didn’t quiet get the chocolates, but we she brought it here this afternoon and she showed everybody what she is capable of.”
Humidor and Exospheric both lost no admirers with their performances, while Who Shot Thebarman found the line strongly late.
