MILLER NOT PERTURBED BY JEWEL CRITICS

Trainer Simon Miller insists he isn’t bothered by the critics of star mare Amelia’s Jewel, following her second consecutive runner-up placing in the Kia-Quokka (1200m) at Ascot.

Trainer : Simon Miller.
Trainer : Simon Miller. Picture: Getty Images

An article published by Racenet on Sunday suggested Amelia's Jewel had reached a crossroads in her career, given her most recent win was the Stocks Stakes (1600m) in September.

Simon Miller said he was happy for everyone to form their own opinion on Amelia's Jewel.

"If it was 10 years ago, I'd fire back at them and want to hunt them down," Miller told TABradio.

"Now I just get in my own bubble and do my own thing.

"If they want to pot her, good luck."

Amelia's Jewel raced in a prominent position in Saturday's $5 million feature and finished almost a length behind Overpass, the same quinella as the inaugural edition of the race.

Miller said he saw the first signs on Saturday the mare could be looking for a longer trip after what he described as an "insane ride" by Damien Lane.

"They might be disappointed because she didn't let rip with that turn-of-foot, but she's changed," he said.

"Frosty (Lane) came in and said she's not a 1200m horse.

"Look at Valor Road.

"He won a Magic Millions and Karrakatta in his first two and now I don't even step him out over 1200m.

"I'm sure she will win the hearts of the knockers back over when she gets out over 1400m and the mile."

Amelia's Jewel is set to head to next month's $1 million Group 1 Goodwood (1200m) at Morphettville, in what is likely to be her final start for Miller.

The mare's owner Peter Walsh told The Races WA Amelia's Jewel would be transferred to Annabel Neasham's Sydney stable for her next campaign.

Meanwhile, Miller said he would likely aim fellow Quokka runner Petula at the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) during the TABtouch-Pinnacles.


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