Another Jewel To Shine At The Valley

Commanding Jewel has big shoes to fill being a three quarter sister to unbeaten superstar Atlantic Jewel.
 
After breaking down in a routine track gallop last week, Altantic Jewel’s career isn’t looking too bright.

Her promising little sister’s career is looking encouraging after winning a Swan Hill maiden at her first start.

Trained by Leon Corstens, Commanding Jewel looks likely to contest at Moonee Valley this Saturday in the 1200m Fillies Plate.

If all goes to plan Corstens is hoping this will be the next step towards emulating Atlantic Jewel’s Thousand Guineas win last spring.

"I’ll see how she works in the morning but so far she has done everything right since Swan Hill,” Corstens said to justhorseracing.com.au.

“She is a really good eater and hasn’t put a foot wrong.”

Commanding Jewel’s win looked even more impressive after jockey Jamie Mott weighed in 2 kgs overweight.

“I didn’t know about that until later,” Corstens said.

“Weight is a big thing with young horses.

“Damien Oliver will ride her on Saturday. That was always the plan when she came to town.”

Damien Oliver will partner stablemate Awesome Bro at Moonee Valley in the Listed McKenzie Stakes over 1200m.

Awesome Bro has won both his starts and is on track for the Caulfield Guineas.

“He is a nice type of horse who is headed towards the Caulfield Guineas,” Corstens said.

“He is definitely the right kind of horse and I think he can stand up to be counted.”

19 horses have entered for the McKenzie Stakes, 15  for the fillies race and 39 for the 1519m handicap.