Uncommon James requires PB to beat western freak Amelia’s Jewel in Quokka: Ben Thompson
The Brisbane jockey watched on in awe as the Simon Miller-trained filly demolished her rivals in the Roma Cup last week, and is eyeing off a similar feat in The Quokka on Saturday.
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Ben Thompson admits knocking off West Australian star Amelia’s Jewel in her own backyard will require a new personal best from Uncommon James, but the Brisbane sprinter has the upside to do it.
The Brisbane-based jockey will make the trip west this week to reunite with the Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted-trained speedster in The Quokka ($4m), with Thompson pointing to his perfect four from four record aboard the horse.
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The pair combined for an emotional maiden Group 1 victory in the Oakleigh Plate in February and Thompson said he has been champing at the bit to get back aboard.
Thompson admits he has kept an eye on freak filly Amelia’s Jewel, who could be the best in the country, but says the stable has called on fellow jockey Damian Lane for advice to ride at Ascot.
“I have noticed in Perth that they produce bloody good horses, and they are very hard to beat in their own backyard,” Thompson said.
“Anything that beats Amelia’s Jewel will probably have to run a PB, I have so much respect for her after that Roma Cup win.
“I have spoken to Matt Hoysted about riding over there because he had a good chat with Damian Lane, who’s from there and knows it well.
“I spoke to Andrew Mallyon who also had a stint over there a while back, every track is different but and has their little tricks.
“I am forever in debt to this horse, Steve O’Dea, Matt Hoysted and the Lavin family for the opportunity, it is great to throw a leg over him again and hopefully we can keep our record in tact.”
After winning the Oakleigh Plate, Uncommon James was only narrowly beaten in The Galaxy three weeks later in what was a luckless run.
Thompson says it proves his versatility, having performed both ways of going at the top level.
“He is used to the travel now with a couple of flights to Melbourne and jumping on a truck up the highway to Sydney,” he said.
“The beauty of him is that he is so early on in his racing career, but he’s handling everything like a good horse.
“He is very familiar on his Melbourne leg, and is a Group 1 winner on it, so it won’t be doing any harm racing over there.”
Uncommon James is a well supported $3 second favourite for the race with TAB, behind Amelia’s Jewel ($2.30), with Bella Nipotina ($6) and Asfoora ($8) behind them.
Originally published as Uncommon James requires PB to beat western freak Amelia’s Jewel in Quokka: Ben Thompson
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