Amelia’s Jewel on Tramway track as she settles into new eastern surroundings

Western Australian mare Amelia’s Jewel now has a likely starting point for her eastern campaign in the Group 2 $300,000 Tramway Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on September 7. Amelia’s Jewel, who was last seen when finishing 11th in the Group 1 The Goodwood at Morphettville in May, was transitioned to the NSW stables of Annabel Neasham after her last campaign with local trainer Simon Miller. Amelia’s Jewel experienced the highest of successes for Miller, claiming the Group 1 Northerly Stakes (1800m) in 2022, but her racing options appear more prosperous in other states. Rob Archibald, stable representative for Annabel Neasham, was delighted with Amelia’s Jewel’s progress in her new surroundings. “So far, it’s been pretty seamless - we’re still fairly early days in the preparation - but she’s had a nice break, and her pre-training was good, and there were no issues there,” Archibald told TABradio. “She’s now back in the stables at Warwick Farm and she’s just building up and going through her paces at the moment as we gradually start to put her under a bit more pressure in a little while. “But I couldn’t fault her at this stage - she looks good, and I’m really happy where she’s at. “We’re looking at the Tramway as a possible kickoff point, but we don’t want to get too far ahead of ourselves and take it week by week. Amelia’s Jewel, who has recently received the booking of jockey Tommy Berry for her upcoming campaign, has received new distance range targets ahead of her new campaign, which might culminate in the Empire Rose Stakes (1600m, November 2) or Cox Plate (2000m, October 26). “Annabel and Walshy (Peter Walsh) had a discussion around the jockey and they’ve landed on Tommy,” Archibald said. “It’s good to have a bit of continuity with a jockey that will get to trial her and ride her in those early races. “We’re learning about her all the time, and hopefully, we can get her going as well as we can, and hopefully, that’s good enough. “Looking at her last few runs, I think the general consensus is she’s potentially looking for that little bit further now. “Her trials will tell a lot more.” Other WA horses plotting an eastern raid include Ripcord and Wild Belle, with trainer Luke Fernie aiming Ripcord at the $10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) on November 2. Fernie says he would like to hit the lucrative feature with Ripcord third-up after a trial and two runs at 1200m and 1400m, while Wild Belle will seek softer tracks after being unsuited on local circuits. Man Crush, who Fernie prepared to run second in the Beaufine Stakes on July 13, will target the $150,000 Listed Hannans Handicap (1400m) at Kalgoorlie on October 2.