Ocean Jewel wins in the west

15 October 2017

Quality filly Ocean Jewel (NZ) (Ocean Park) underlined her Ascot carnival aspirations with a brilliant victory in yesterday’s $100,000 Tabtouch Bunbury 3YO Classic (1000m).

The Simon Miller-trained three-year-old, starting at $5 and ridden by Joseph Azzopardi, stormed home from well back on the turn to score by three-quarters of a length.

An emotional Miller announced big plans for Ocean Jewel, including the Gr.3 WA Champion Fillies Stakes (1600m) on November 18.

“She’s a miler,” Miller said.

“She’s just doing this on ability. The world’s her oyster.

“I know how good she is but I sort of don’t get too far ahead of myself with her.

“There were some good horses in this race and you see her pick them up wide and working and she’s not even screwed down yet.”

Miller said the daughter of Ocean Park could also tackle the Gr.1 Kingston Town Classic (1800m) on December 9, but he was critical of the upcoming fillies’ program.

“It’s a disgrace,” Miller said.

“You go to the Belgravia, then 10 days later in the Burgess Queen, another 10 days into the Champion Fillies and if you want to go to the Guineas, it’s a week later.

“I’ve got to miss one. I’m probably better off missing the 1200 (Belgravia), but I’ll see what she’s like.”

An $80,000 weanling purchase, Ocean Jewel improved her record to three wins from four starts.

Ocean Park was also represented by impressive three-year-old colt Ocean’s Fourteen who scored over 1620 metres at Donald on Friday.

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