Champion jockey Damian Lane says Amelia’s Jewel has improved and gone from strength to strength since her Moonee Valley heroics as she prepares to hold onto her unbeaten interstate campaign at Caulfield on Saturday.
With a couple of Group 2 wins under her belt in the Let’s Elope (1400m) at Flemington and the Stock Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley in track record time, the wonder mare from the west is favourite to make it a winning hatrick in the G1 Toorak Handicap (1600m).
“She has probably come on the most between the last run and this one than she has between any other time I’ve ridden her,” Lane said on Tabradio.
“I think that good hit out at Moonee Valley has really brought her on and I think she is looking in really good shape.”
Amelia’s Jewel displayed her tactical superiority in the Stock Stakes by going forward and Lane believes she will be afforded a similar run in the Toorak after copping another awkward barrier.
The $1 million Toorak is down to 16 starters following the scratching of My Oberon for Annabel Neasham and Amelia’s Jewel will jump from gate 12.
“Barrier 12 is not ideal on the weekend, but I probably will be somewhat positive again early to just try and find a position,” Lane said.
“I suspect the speed will be even better this week, just with a couple of extra really bold on pace horses in the field.
“I’m looking to get in where I can and give her a comfortable run.”
Amelia’s Jewel is chasing her second G1 success after winning the Northerly Stakes (1800m) on home soil at Ascot last December.
Lane believes the 2023 Toorak Handicap is laden with depth and quality.
“It’s a good race, a strong race,” Lane said.
“Horses like Pinstriped, Antino is going well, Pride Of Jenni drops to 52kg, Here To Shock was super again, Amenable is a class horse.
“She (Amelia’s Jewel) meets proper Group 1 horses under the handicap conditions.
“It’s a good edition and considering The King Charles is on the same day it’s a strong field.”
Tabtouch has Amelia’s Jewel currently at $2.25. Antino is next at $7.50.
Julio Santarelli