Amelia’s Jewel to head to the Toorak Handicap

Peter Walsh has revealed where star mare Amelia’s Jewel will head to for her next start.

Amelia's Jewel on the way to the barriers prior to the running of the Ladbrokes Stocks Stakes at Moonee Valley Racecourse on September 29, 2023 in Moonee Ponds, Australia. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos via Getty Images)

Melbourne has won out over Sydney, for now, in the Amelia’s Jewel Group 1 sweepstakes.

Owner Peter Walsh on Sunday confirmed a decision to bypass the King Charles III Stakes and contest the Toorak Handicap instead at Caulfield on October 14.

Jockey Damian Lane, who has ridden Amelia’s Jewel to victory the past two starts, including a track record Group 2 Stocks Stakes triumph at The Valley last Friday night, helped trainer Simon Miller and Walsh with the decision.

“We’re definitely going to the Toorak, I spoke to Simon (Miller) a few minutes ago, so that’s locked in,” Walsh said in video posted on X.

“Damian Lane gave me his opinion yesterday, so we’re definitely going to Caulfield as long as we don’t get too much weight.”

👇 We’re off to the Toorak 👇 pic.twitter.com/YL91sN0ZOO

— Simon Miller Racing (@Simon_Miller_) October 1, 2023

TAB shortened West Australian sensation Amelia‘s Jewel from $2.50 to $2.30 on Sunday in its pre-nominations Toorak Handicap market.

Amelia’s Jewel is a $4 second favourite for the Cox Plate, behind Hong Kong superstar Romantic Warrior ($3.50), despite being untried beyond 1800m.

She won the Group 1 Northerly Stakes (1800m) in Perth last December.

The $10m Golden Eagle (1500m) in Sydney on November 4 remains a tantalising option for Amelia’s Jewel, rated $4.50 favourite for the race.

The Cox Plate or Golden Eagle decision will be discussed after the Toorak.

“Simon said ‘why do we have to make a decision now? Let’s just wait and see how she goes in The Toorak, see how the internationals go,’” Walsh said.

“The only thing is that we haven’t run that 2040 metres – we believe she can do it, she won the Group 1 (Northerly Stakes) at 1800 metres a year ago.

“We’re probably leaning towards the Golden Eagle, but there’s no need to rush into a decision.”

Originally published as Amelia’s Jewel to head to the Toorak Handicap