Star mare Jameka is primed for a strong first-up performance in Saturday’s Group 2 PB Lawrence Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield after winning a talent-rich Cranbourne barrier trial on Monday morning.
Jameka will return to racing in Saturday’s Group 2 PB Lawrence Stakes at Caulfield. Photo: Adrienne Bicknell
Lining up alongside the likes of Iconic and stable mate Set Square, Jameka was given a soft ride by jockey Luke Nolen but was allowed to extend in the late stages of the 990m hit-out; comfortably finding the line in the clear of her rivals.
Maher was pleased with the form and condition displayed by the Myboycharlie mare in the barrier trial and is confident she is ready for a return in the 2016 PB Lawrence Stakes on Saturday, ahead of a campaign geared towards the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m).
“I didn’t want to be too serious with her, just give her a nice working gallop and that’s what it was,” Maher told Racenet.
“She jumped and travelled well and then let down nicely late and opened up a little.
“It’s always good to get on a nice surface and she’s enjoyed the trip away from home,” Maher said.
“Her main aims are later in the spring but she’s certainly ready to go Saturday and it will tell us a lot about where we head with her.”
Jameka has been a strong and consistent performer for Maher throughout her entire racing campaign so far; claiming three wins and a further seven minors through only fourteen competitive appearances.
A standout through the 2015 edition of the Spring Carnival, Jameka returned to racing for third in the Listed Atlantic Jewel Stakes (1200m); progressing to second in each of the Group 2 Thousand Guineas Prelude (1400m) and Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m) before returning to winning form in the Group 2 Moonee Valley Vase (2040m).
Ending her standout year with a maiden win at the highest level in the Group 1 Crown Oaks (2500m), Jameka resumed this year for fourth in the Group 3 The Schweppervescence (1400m) before placing a credible fifth in the talent-rich Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m).
Running third in the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m) on March 19th, Jameka produced an impressive all-round performance to place second in the Group 1 Australian Derby (2400m) on Day 1 of The Championships and returned to the paddock after finishing fourth in the Group 1 Australian Oaks (2400m) one week later.
Jameka is currently available at 2016 PB Lawrence Stakes odds of $9 in early markets with Ladbrokes Australia.
