Amelia Park claimed a second Group 3 in a week when its star 3yo filly Amelia’s Jewel was a consummate winner of the Roma Cup (1100m) at Ascot.
Racing first-up since a triumphant G1 Northerly Stakes (1800m) victory in December, the daughter of Champion European sire Siyouni (Fr) waltzed up to the leaders in the straight on Saturday and won with something in hand from top-class sprinter Red Can Man (Gingerbread Man).
She’s Fit, another 3yo filly bred and reared at the south-west farm, had won the G3 WA Oaks (2400m) at Ascot last weekend. A $50,000 graduate of the 2021 Perth Magic Millions, She’s Fit (Pride Of Dubai) can complete a classic double against the boys in the G2 WA Derby (2400m) on Easter Saturday.
In the words of trainer Simon Miller, Amelia’s Jewel (Photo / Western Racepix) has “bigger fish to fry” in the $4 million The Quokka (1200m) at Ascot on April 15.
After drubbing the home defence, she firmed into a $2.60 favourite against interstate raiders Uncommon James ($3.50), Asfoora ($5), Bella Nipotina ($5) and I Wish I Win ($5).
“Simon said he thought she could win first-up although he hasn’t screwed her right down,” Amelia Park owner Peter Walsh revealed. “Let’s hope she can bring her A game in two weeks. Looking ahead, it will probably be her last start in Western Australia.”
Winning jockey Pat Carbery said Amelia’s Jewel was panels better than her first-up effort last campaign when beaten by Laced Up Heels (Toronado) in the LR Burgess Queen Stakes (1400m). “She’s more mature and stronger and got there quite easy today. She’s pulled up a bit big and will definitely benefit off that win.”
The Burgess Queen has been her only defeat in 8 starts for earnings over $1.78 million and there’s another $2 million allocated for the winner of The Quokka.
The Group 3 double has sent Amelia Park well clear on the 2022-23 WA Breeders table with 6 black-type victories so far this season. Back home at Vasse, Walsh and fellow part-owner Mark Chadwick have retired their G3 Prince Of Wales Stakes (1000m) winner Miss Conteki (Eurozone).
She had also been considered for The Quokka but pulled up sore in a Lark Hill trial last week. “Miss Conteki been plagued by injuries throughout her career and one of them flared up after the trial,” Miller told the West Australian Newspaper. “She did a great job for us and was an absolute beauty.”
