On the 9th of May this year, Amarela kicked off her current campaign. She over-raced and did plenty of things wrong on that occasion at Flemington, forcing Nigel to go back to basics with her on the training track and at the races.
Five starts later she won her second race. Six starts later she ran a creditable race in the Group 2 Let’s Elope Stakes at Flemington – widely considered Group 1 standard. And today at Caulfield, at her eighth race this campaign, she saluted with a commanding victory over 1600m.
(Images courtesy of slickpixvic.com.au)
It is a credit to all her track riders, race jockeys, stable staff and of course Nigel that she is now relaxing much better in her races since her first-up run in May. She was ideally suited stepping up to 1600m for the first time today, and Luke Currie rode a perfect race.
But it is also credit to Amarela herself, to keep learning and working with her riders as opposed to fighting them. She will only get better from here on!
A decision on one more run this campaign is yet to be made by Nigel. It is tempting to continue racing a mare is such good form at this time of year. But there is no doubt Amarela will benefit from a spell, before returning in Autumn capable of winning more races in better grade than Benchmark 70.
Congratulations to Conrad Bates, Paul Campbell, Ken and Sally Coles, Steve Hazelman, Andrew Hounslow, John Loh, Shane Marshall, Tom Napier, Michael Power, David Whiting and the family of the late John Waring. Your patience and support does not go unnoticed.