Ciaron Maher won last year’s G1 VRC Oaks with Set Square and is confident he can make it two in a row with Jameka.
The Myboycharlie filly is right in contention to double up for the Caulfield trainer after beating the colts in the G2 Moonee Valley Vase (2040m) on Saturday. She ran down Godolphin front-runner Shards and then firmed into a $4 second-favourite behind Sacred Eye ($2.90) for their classic clash on November 5.
Maher said Jameka was a similar filly to Set Square at the same stage of their careers. “She improved to be placed in the Thousand Guineas and looked better again today. She seems to be coming together nicely and will be peaking next time.
“Jameka has the form on the board while Set Square was quite raw. They’re similar-types and both have that real staying ability. I’m looking forward to Flemington.”
Maher bought her for $130,000 from Gilgai Farm at the 2014 Inglis Melbourne Premier yearling sale and she has earned $417,475 for a syndicate targeting another pay-day in the $1 million VRC Oaks.
Jameka (3f Myboycharlie – Mine Game by General Nediym) rises to the occasion on the big days – her only other win in 8 starts was the G2 Victorian Sires’
Produce Stakes in March. “She’s very strong with a lovely big action and has always shown us she would like a trip,” jockey Damien Oliver said. “I really like her.”
Myboycharlie (Danetime) got her from a Melbourne winning half-sister to G1 Canterbury Guineas winner Jymcarew. He stands at Vinery for an $11,000 (inc gst) service fee.
