Trainer Ciaron Maher was thrilled with Jameka’s run for fifth in the Australian Guineas over the weekend and has revealed the talented filly will now head to Sydney for the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m) on March 19th.
Jameka will progress to the Rosehill Guineas in Sydney on March 19th. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos
Jumping from the gates well in the Flemington feature on Saturday, Jameka was settled in a good position within the talented field of fifteen by champion hoop Damien Oliver as Xtravagant ensured the race was run at a good early pace.
Mustering a strong turn of foot in the final straight, the Myboycharlie filly locked in a fierce late sprint battle but faded just off the pace late and finished a credible fifth.
Confident she has taken plenty of benefit from the run, Maher told Racing Ahead he expects Jameka to line up for the 2016 Rosehill Guineas in a fortnight before deciding on a berth in either of the Australian Derby or Australian Oaks during The Championships.
“I was very happy with her,” Maher said.
“Damien said after the race he felt like something got on her heels prior to straightening and she sort of grabbed the bit, took off on him and she strode into the race probably early than anticipated.
“She was probably just a bit vulnerable late, but she’ll come on in leaps and bounds from that run and I was rapt with her.
“She’ll probably go to the Rosehill Guineas next start and we’ll work it out from there.”
Jameka has been a strong and consistent performer for Maher through a short but impressive racing career so far; posting three wins and five minors through only eleven starts.
Capping a strong maiden campaign with success in the Group 2 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) in March last year, Jameka returned in spring for a commendable third in the talent-rich Listed Atlantic Jewel Stakes (1200m).
Progressing to third in the Group 2 Thousand Guineas Prelude (1400m), Jameka clearly relished a continued step-up in distance when second in the Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m) and victorious in each of the Group 2 Moonee Valley Vase (2040m) and Group 1 Crown Oaks (2500m).
Ladbrokes Australia are currently displayed Jameka at 2016 Rosehill Guineas odds of $5 for success.
