Trainer duo Archibald and Annabel Neasham are eager to see Amelia’s Jewel return to action in the Guy Walter Stakes (1400m), hoping she can finally secure a long-awaited victory.
Since joining their stable a year ago, Amelia’s Jewel has consistently performed well but has yet to break through with a win under their guidance. Competing in Sydney and Melbourne on five occasions, she never finished worse than fifth and added three black-type placings to her record.
She made an immediate impact in her stable debut, finishing runner-up in the Tramway (1400m), followed by another second-place finish in the Golden Pendant (1400m). She then came heartbreakingly close in the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) at Flemington, falling just short against Atishu.
Having undergone two trials in preparation for this race, Archibald believes Amelia’s Jewel is in top shape for her first-up contest against eight competitors in the Guy Walter Stakes.
“She looks amazing and has been working without any setbacks,” Archibald shared on Tabradio. “Her trials have been solid, and everyone is really pleased with where she’s at.”
“She’s moving beautifully, and from our perspective, we couldn’t be happier. We’re definitely expecting a strong first-up performance on Saturday.”
As for what’s next, Archibald is keeping his options open beyond the Guy Walter Stakes.
“There are plenty of opportunities ahead,” he said. “The Coolmore is a possibility, as well as the Doncaster Prelude and the Doncaster itself. Right now, we’re just focused on this race and will decide from there.”
James McDonald will be the latest top jockey to partner with Amelia’s Jewel, following in the footsteps of Pat Carbery, Damian Lane, Tommy Berry, and Jamie Melham. She has drawn barrier eight for the race.
“Saturday’s performance will give us a better idea of where she’s at,” Archibald said. “But from our end, she’s in fantastic order, and there won’t be any excuses.”
The Guy Walter Stakes also features strong West Australian representation, with Alsephina set to return to racing after a successful stint in Melbourne last year.
Trained by Grant and Alana Williams, Alsephina shone brightly with a victory in the Group 2 Stock Stakes (1514m) at Moonee Valley. That win was sandwiched between a third-place effort in the Group 2 Let’s Elope Stakes (1400m) and a strong performance in the Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m).
Heading into the race, the latest betting sites odds list Amelia’s Jewel as the $2.40 favorite, with Alsephina close behind at $3.90.
Alsephina will start from barrier five, with Kerryn McEvoy taking the reins.
