Moonee Valley Racing Club CEO Michael Browell will reach out to trainer Simon Miller in an attempt to lure Amelia’s Jewel to the $5 million Group 1 W S Cox Plate (2040m) in October.
Browell was heartened to hear owner-breeder Peter Walsh has ruled out a start for Amelia’s Jewel (Photo / Western Racepix) in the $15 million The Everest (1200m) at Randwick on October 14. Walsh and trainer Simon Miller have announced her spring grand-final will likely come down to a decision between the Cox Plate and $10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) at Rosehill.
Both races are scheduled for Saturday, October 28.
“We haven’t had a chance yet to have a chat with Simon but we’re very keen to see what they need from us to lock in a Cox Plate assault this year,” Browell said.
“There’s a lot of competition in that space but the Cox Plate is the best race in Australia and every owner and trainer would like to see their name on its honour roll.
“There’s a lot of cash involved, but there’s also a lot of prestige that comes with winning a Cox Plate. Its been won by the who’s who of racing for the past 100 years.”
The Sydney v Melbourne inter-city rivalry has intensified in recent years and Racing NSW CEO Peter V’landys won’t sit idly by and give the MVRC an inside run for bragging rights during the spring carnivals.
“We will play it by ear but she will start off in Melbourne and then have the option to stay there or go to Sydney,” Walsh said. “She was just beaten in The Quokka but I think it was her best-ever performance.
“That was her last run in Western Australia and now we’re looking forward to taking on the big boys and girls in the east. She will spell at Amelia Park for 10 weeks which will do her the world of good. And Simon says she will improve again when we add blinkers.”
Amelia’s Jewel (3f Siyouni – Bumbasina by Canford Cliffs) has earned $2,380,900 including Westspeed Platinum bonuses of $47,300. Her yearling half-brother by Blue Point (Ire) has been named Bosustow by Victorian-based Rosemont Alliance who bought him for $900,000 at the Gold Coast Magic Millions in January.
Walsh sent Bumbasina back to France last year and she is in foal to Siyouni at Haras de Bonneval off a southern cover in September.