Jewel Headlines Big Day For Joe
20 April, 2018
Thoroughbred
Last start Placid Ark Stakes winner Ocean Jewel is primed to make a winning return to racing, when she lines up in the Real Ice Tea Handicap (1000m) at Ascot tomorrow.
The filly won her first two starts last campaign over 1000m, including the TABtouch Classic at Bunbury, before she stepped up in distance without success, but rounded out her campaign on a winning note in the Placid Ark.
She has her first start against older horses over 1000m tomorrow, and despite trainer Simon Miller expressing his concerns on TABradio, Azzopardi said he was excited at what lies in wait for her this campaign.
“As we all know, she is a quality horse, one of Simon’s favourites,” he said.
“She’s fresh and she is well.”
Ocean Jewel trialled at Belmont on April 3, where she finished two-and-a-half lengths behind Salorsci over 1000m.
The filly meets Salorsci, who is unbeaten first-up, again tomorrow following the trial.
Although Aaron Mitchell rode Ocean Jewel in the trial, Azzopardi said he was pleased with what he saw on that occasion.
“She’s come through that trial nicely,” he said.
“We didn’t knock her around…I was happy enough with that.
“She has progressed since then.”
Meanwhile, Azzopardi will again team up with The Big Show in the Group 2 WATC Derby (2400m) tomorrow, following his third placing in the Melvista Stakes a fortnight ago.
The Frost Giant gelding is a $21 chance with TABtouch behind the heavily supported favourite Action ($3.70).
Azzopardi said he expected The Big Show’s barrier draw would give him every possible chance to make it back-to-back WATC Derby wins for trainer Darren McAuliffe.
“He surprised me a little bit (last start),” he said.
“He had to do a bit of work.
“Hopefully I will get a little bit of cover on Saturday just in behind them, I’ve drawn perfectly in eight.
“There’s a lot of rain coming, so it will be good to stay away from the fence, and stay in that moving line.”
Sentimental Friend ($6), Money Maher ($6.50) and Tellem We’re Comin ($9) join Action as the only other runners in single figures on TABtouch for the $400,000 event.
Tim Walker