Jameka is the horse they have to beat in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) this Saturday.
The Myboycharlie mare remains a solid $3.30 favourite despite having to jump from barrier 13 in the first-leg of the cups’ double. “I can’t control the draw,” trainer Ciaron Maher said. “But I can control getting the horse fit and I can’t fault her.”
Jameka was too good for the fillies in last year’s G1 VRC Oaks (2500m) and her latest form includes a win in the G3 Naturalism Stakes (2000m) and a second to Hartnell in the G1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m).
“She’s pretty right where she’s at,” Maher said after a solo gallop over 1200m at Caulfield on Tuesday. “She’s on her home track and dropping to handicap conditions so there’s a bit to like.
“We’ve trained her to peak for her next couple of runs and I think she’s improved every start this campaign. The Caulfield Cup should be no different.”
Jameka is one of three Group 1 winners by Myboycharlie alongside Euro Charline and Peggy Jean. Her current earnings stand at $1.77 million and there’s another $1.75 million for the winner this Saturday.
Gilgai Farm owner Rick Jamieson sold her for $130,000 at the 2014 Inglis Melbourne Premier and he has her dam Mine Game (General Nediym) back in foal to Myboycharlie at Vinery. The mare won in Melbourne and is a half-sister to G1 Canterbury Guineas winner Jymcarew.
Myboycharlie (Ire) topped six-figures with his draft at the Inglis Ready2Race Sale this week. His colt from Ladys Counsel made $110,000 when purchased by Silk Thoroughbreds on Wednesday.
Fellow Vinery sires in the same bracket at the Ready2Race Sale included Testa Rossa ($140,000), Mossman ($120,000) and Casino Prince ($100,000).
