Jameka

CIARON Maher has flagged an extensive European staying campaign for star mare ­Jameka this year.

Usually it is our sprinters who head to the northern hemisphere, but Maher believes the runaway Caulfield Cup winner has the ability to mix it with the best stayers in the world.

Maher is looking at running Jameka in European feature races over 2400m, her optimum distance, ruling her out of the Melbourne spring.

The 2400m King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot, England, on July 27 and 2400m Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Chantilly, France, on October 1 could be options.

“If she races well this preparation, and all the signs are good, then it will become an option which I will look at ­seriously,” Maher said.

Jameka kicks off her autumn campaign in Saturday’s Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield, the first of four runs. She will head to the Peter Young Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield on February 25 and the Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington on March 11 before going to Sydney for the $1.5 million BMW (2400m) at Rosehill on March 25.

Last year the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes was won by 2015 Cox Plate third placegetter Highland Reel, who picked up ­almost $1.4 million for ­connections.

“If she settled in well, then there’s a vast array of races over her best distance which she could contest,” Maher said.

Jameka could stop off for December’s Hong Kong Vase (2400m) on her way back to Australia.

Maher said Jameka’s work had been sharp and she would be competitive on Saturday.


“Over 1400m fresh she ­either finished third or fourth and I’d expect something similar, then she’ll she hit her straps a bit later,” he said.

Jameka hasn’t started since finishing 15th in the Melbourne Cup on November 1.

Maher said his Blue Diamond Stakes contender Jukebox had had two days at the beach and recovered well after his win in the Inglis Premier at Caulfield on Saturday.

Jukebox will be Maher’s first Blue Diamond runner.

“He put his hand up on ­Saturday. He’s a real natural and there’s improvement to come,” he said.

I don't think she will make it over there because I cant see her dominating the Autumn here, but would be awesome to see how her form lines up in those races.

Brilliant return!!

Agree, huge run ...

Looking good for Australian Cup. Got her going for massive collect.

2nd up Syndrome

Yep. Yet to win 2nd up in five attempts.

Wasn't beaten far. She wasn't at her top but wouldn't say she has second up syndrome. Copped the full force of a Nolen special. Give her the one one spot that Stratum Star got and I think she wins.

Still confident for the Aus Cup.

The Gooch wrote: Wasn't beaten far. She wasn't at her top but wouldn't say she has second up syndrome. Copped the full force of a Nolen special. Give her the one one spot that Stratum Star got and I think she wins. Still confident for the Aus Cup.

Delta Deel wrote: Not convinced she has the Aus cup at her mercy

I agree. Tbh Stratum Star is capable of winning at good odds again but I will be on Exospheric.

James wrote: MacDougall wrote: Delta Deel wrote: Not convinced she has the Aus cup at her mercy I agree. Tbh Stratum Star is capable of winning at good odds again but I will be on Exospheric. Stratum Star has no improvement to come IMO where the others do.

Stratum Star is just a winner that puts himself in a race so he is always a chance.

if Jameka keeps winning ........these people in the other thread Hartnell v Winx will be dropping alotttta cash ........looooooool !! 

Ive read many posts about how good a horse Hartnell is ........that run at Flemington pulling away and making Jameka look second rate .....sticks in their minds !! So Jameka being so competitive and a leading middle distance galloper they keep going back to that run from Hartnell ...and using that in the hope he can beat Winx ............u with me now dude ????? it was tongue in cheek talk 

No idea?

How is Jameka going badly? She's a good horse. She isn't good enough to travel 3 wide no cover 2nd up and beat the likes of a fit and in form Stratum Star.

She hasn't got a great winning strike rate but Ciaron has done a good job of getting her to peak for her target. I see nothing there to suggest she won't improve 3rd up at 2000m and turn the tables on those that beat her yesterday.

No good thing for the Aus Cup, but certainly the one to beat.