Myboycharlie mare Jameka can join the greats after a dominant victory in the G1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday.
Trainer Ciaran Maher confirmed the G1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) is the next target and the TAB reacted by firming her into a $5 equal favourite with Hartnell for the race that stops a nation.
Let’s Elope (1991) and Ethereal (2001) are the only mares to complete the cups’ double since World War II.
“She was the favourite so there was a bit of added pressure,” Maher admitted. “She’s gone to another level this preparation and has improved race-by-race.”
Jameka (4m Myboycharlie – Mine Game by General Nediym) won the G3 Naturalism Stakes (2000m) at her third run back this season and then ran second to Hartnell in the G1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m).
She had initially arrived over the horizon last year winning the G2 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) as a 2yo and G1 VRC Oaks (2500m) at Flemington as a 3yo.
Maher bought her out of the Gilgai Farm draft for $130,000 at the 2014 Inglis Melbourne Premier Sale. The Caulfield Cup prizemoney increased her bank balance to $3.60 million for a syndicate that includes Colin McKenna and Malcolm Fallon.
“She was too good for the boys at two and was outstanding against the 3yo fillies at last year’s spring carnival,” Maher recalled. “She’s had a perfect prep and Nick (Hall) looked confident in running. Bring on the two miles.”
Jameka is one of three Group 1 winners by Myboycharlie (Ire) alongside Euro Charline and Peggy Jean. Her dam Mine Game (General Nediym) is back in foal to Myboycharlie at Vinery.
Myboycharlie was the Champion French 2YO of his generation following a Group 1 victory in the 2007 Prix Morny at Deauville. He’s kicking more goals in France this year at the top of the 2YO sires’ table with 12 individual winners.
Elsewhere, his Irish-based youngster Landfall won the G3 Golden Fleece Stakes at Leopardstown last month and, in North America, his European-bred colt Royal By Nature maintained his unbeaten record in the LR Sunday Silence Stakes (1600m) at Louisiana Downs.
Myboycharlie stands at Vinery for an $11,000 (inc GST) fee and has just hit the top of the Australian Sires’ Premiership table.