I dream of Jameka – Maher looking for the Cups double
IT’S not often a Caulfield Cup winner will drift in the market after receiving barrier three for the Melbourne Cup, but punters are now getting a great price for Jameka.
The Ciaron Maher-trained mare was on the second line of betting at $5.50 for much of the week, but after Saturday’s results and the barrier draw, the four-year-old drifted to $8 at Sportsbet which is a great price for a thoroughbred which dominated over 2400m at Caulfield.
Maher is happy with how Jameka has trained on since winning the Caulfield Cup and he has done all he can to ensure it’s right for Tuesday.
“Very happy with it, it’s all up to Nick (Hall, jockey) now,” Maher said. “I’ve just been rapt with her preparation, she’s improved with every start.
“We really do think she could have trained on, she looks better, she’s very bright, she’s trained super.”
Jameka drew barrier three in the field of 24 which should ensure a soft run throughout and Maher will be hoping it slots in just behind the pace.
“I would imagine she would be in the first eight horses, without sort of going through the field too much and working on the speed maps,” Maher said.
“Nick’s got so much confidence in this horse, I’m sure he’ll ride a positive race. There looks to be a nice speed, he’ll probably just drop her in somewhere, get a bit of cover and hopefully she’s got the same turn-of-foot she’s got in the Caulfield Cup.”
Coming off a dream result in the Caulfield Cup, Maher could complete the dream double on Tuesday, a result that would mean everything to the improving local trainer.
“It would mean absolutely everything, it’s the season you take out your license, it’s the reason you do anything to do with horses as a trainer,” Maher said. “For me, growing up in Victoria, the Melbourne Cup’s everything, it would mean the world.”