Jameka Tracking Well Towards CF Orr Stakes

Caulfield Cup winner Jameka is on track for a strong first-up appearance in the Ladbrokes CF Orr Stakes (1400m) following a smart barrier trial at Caulfield on Tuesday morning.

Caulfield Cup winner Jameka is on track for a competitive return in the Ladbrokes CF Orr Stakes on February 11th. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos

Caulfield Cup winner Jameka is on track for a competitive return in the Ladbrokes CF Orr Stakes on February 11th. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos

Jameka has not been seen at the races since failing to get the trip and fifteenth in the Melbourne Cup (3200m) on November 1st, but the four-year-old had previously carded her most glittering racing preparation to date in spring; highlighted by a dominant three length success in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 15th.

Trainer Ciaron Maher has reportedly been thrilled with the benefit that the Myboycharlie mare has taken through her time away from racing and stable representative David Eustace is confident that this morning’s trial will put her in good stead for a credible appearance in the Ladbrokes CF Orr Stakes 2017.

“She stepped nice and sharp,” Eustace told Racing Ahead.

“Straight up the hill running from the 2000 to the 1200 she was on the collar the whole way and her action was really good.

“She showed plenty of enthusiasm, the handbrake was on and that will put her right for next Saturday hopefully.

“She’ll have a quiet week. She goes to the beach a lot when weather permits it and then she’ll have a decent gallop on the course proper a week from today, and that will put her right for the CF Orr next Saturday.”

Jameka will have to overcome the likes of Malaguerra and Black Heart Bart in the Ladbrokes CF Orr Stakes and while confident that her fitness will put her in good stead, Eustace conceded she faces a big task in the form of her rivals.

“I think fitness wise yes (she will be right in the finish), but it looks like there will be a few horses in there that have had a run and might be a bit sharper than her,” he said.

“She’s a good, strong galloper with a great cruising speed but whether she’ll be able to quicken like Malaguerra and Black Heart Bart, I’m not so sure.

“Really it’s a run to bring her fitness on. She’ll be ridden to hit the line strong with a view towards a couple of races down the track.

“I certainly think she’s improved again. Physically she’s held her condition well and Ciaron is happy with her. If she has, she’ll be in for an exciting campaign.”

Jameka is a black type winner in races ranging from 1400m to 2500m in distance, but has so-far secured Group 1 victories at a mile and a half or over.

Jameka is currently available at early 2017 CF Orr Stakes odds of $6 with online bookie Ladbrokes Australia.

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Jared Timms

Jared graduated with a journalism degree in 2011. He is a keen sports fan and has enjoyed many accolades for his lively writing style and comprehensive coverage of major sporting events and horse racing. Today, you can find Jared cheering on his beloved Manchester City with a beer in hand.