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| Staff Writer |
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At her debut in the Gr.2 Furphy Let's Elope Stakes, West Australian superstar Amelia's Jewel did not disappoint on a champagne day of racing. Under the guidance of jockey Damian Lane and trainer Simon Miller, the 3YO filly drifted back to the rear of the field from an outside gate before smoothly moving up to a challenging position on the turn.
With a lapful of horse, Lane urged Amelia's Jewel on and she quickly took the lead, winning by a length. Tavistock mare Life Lessons finished second, with Shamus Award mare El Patroness close behind in third. This win brings Amelia's Jewel's record to eight wins and two seconds, with earnings of A$2,51,3600. Her last race was in April at the A$4million The Quokka at Ascot, where she was edged out by Overpass.
"It was pretty cool; I suppose the exciting thing from our point of view is she's not screwed down yet, so we've got plenty of wiggle room to go," Miller said.
"This is just a nice starting point for her, and when he (Lane) hadn't moved on straightening, I was like 'this is an easy watch'. Without being arrogant, he hasn't gone full throttle, so I thought, 'at least we're going to be in the finish' but it's good to come home and see all the family and friends. I'm on an early flight out tomorrow so we'll see what happens.
"I'll know once we go back and take her heart rate and see where she's at; that's probably our best gauge; it's unbelievable. Lee Jordan and Bec have helped us out heaps, and Nick Ryan, he's putting up with us, he's a good man. I'm so proud of her and proud of my staff, they do an amazing job. I've had a really good support crew here and back home, so we should just be able to keep flowing through.
This one's for Harold, who passed away during the week. When I was strapping way back I used to come through Flemington and Moonee Valley gates, and he was on the gate there. He was a legend, so that one's for him."
Amelia's Jewel is the first foal of Bumbasina, a stakes placed Canford Cliffs mare purchased for 75,000 guineas by Astute Bloodstock at the 2019 Tattersalls July Sale. Bumbasina is a half-sister to Group II winner Epona Plays (Australia) and Group III winner Dolce Strega. Her 2yo colt by Merchant Navy, named True Heroes, was sold for A$160,000 at the Magic Millions Perth Book 2 and is currently in training with Sean and Jake Casey. Bosustow, Bumbasina's colt by Blue Point was purchased for A$900,000 from the Segenhoe Stud draft at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale in January. The powerfully made colt has been entered in the opening heat at Monday's 2yo trials at Randwick. Bumbasina boarded a plane to France last May for another date with Siyouni after missing in 2021.