Star jockey Jamie Melham eyes Group 1 CF Orr Stakes aboard Another Wil
Jamie Melham has formed a winning combination with Another Wil and says victory in the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes will be “very special”.
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Star jockey Jamie Melham wants to start the Victorian Festival of Racing in style with Group 1 success aboard Another Wil on Saturday in the CF Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield.
Melham dominated the carnival last year with four Group 1s including Black Caviar Lightning Stakes (Coolangatta), Blue Diamond Stakes (Hayasugi), Australian Guineas (Southport Tycoon) and Newmarket Handicap (Cylinder).
She rounded out a stunning autumn with two hometown wins at the highest level in Adelaide with victories in the South Australian Derby (Coco Sun) and The Goodwood (Benedetta).
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The spirit of late friend and mentor Colin McKenna, who raced home-bred Another Wil until he died last October after a short battle with illness, is a major motivation for Melham.
Melham scored an emotional Melbourne Cup carnival Group 2 success with Another Wil last year at Flemington just six days after McKenna died.
Melham has won seven of nine starts on Another Wil, who McKenna regarded as “Jamie’s horse”, and placed second in the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) last year.
Reigning CF Orr winner Mr Brightside, an eight-time Group 1 and All-Star Mile champion, is favourite to defend the title on Saturday at Caulfield with Another Wil a firm second pick.
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“Every Group 1 means a lot but this race, this weekend, is very special,” Melham said.
“Fingers crossed, we need some luck but hopefully luck is on our side and we can give our Colin a late (February 4) birthday present.
“I love this horse to pieces, Another Wil, to win a Group 1 is what I ever wanted to do for Colin and fingers crossed it’s this prep.”
Another Wil surged to win the Rupert Clarke Stakes last year at Caulfield only to be collared late by Kimochi.
“His last prep he matured and grew so much, he only has to mature the slightest bit and he’s right in it on the weekend,” Melham said.
“He’s fit and ready to go, his action is great, so fingers crossed for the weekend.”
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Another Wil has won four of six starts at 1400m.
He was beaten less than half a length in the Rupert Clarke last year.
“1400m is his ideal trip, we tried to stretch him out (before) … over a touch further and I think he just does a bit too much, I think 1400m is definitely his go,” Melham said.
Melham has a strong book on Saturday and could move closer to locking in her Blue Diamond mount.
She rides Godolphin favourite Aleppo Pine in the colts and geldings Prelude and Gin Spirit for Lindsay Park in the fillies division.
“I’m really excited how these two go on the weekend, a lot can play out,” Melham said.
“It’s definitely not locked in, one for the Diamond, but see how the two-year-olds perform.”
Melham’s husband and Group 1 jockey Ben warmed the seat on Aleppo Pine in a jumpout last week.
“It was very impressive and I liked his (Aleppo Pine) trial the other day, it takes a lot to get Ben excited and he said ‘wow’, it gives me a lot of encouragement,” Melham said.
Originally published as Star jockey Jamie Melham eyes Group 1 CF Orr Stakes aboard Another Wil
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