Trainer Leon Corstens has revealed talented mare Commanding Jewel is continuing to impress in her come-back from injury ahead of the Group 1 Tattersall’s Tiara (1400m) on June 21st, but confirmed he will have no issue in keeping the four-year-old in the paddock if not 100 percent.
Commanding Jewel is on track for a return in the Group 1 Tattersall's Tiara. Photo: Race Horse Photos Australia
Injury prone since strolling home to win the Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m) in the spring of 2012, Corstens told AAP he is pleased with the way the Commands mare has worked in recent weeks and confirmed a tilt at the Tatt’s Tiara is still on the cards.
“She has done really well and I’m quite pleased with her,” Corstens said.
“She will have a couple of good hit-outs and if she continues to do well I will definitely take her to Brisbane.
“But if I’m worried about her in any way, she will stay home and get ready for the spring.
“There is no pressure from the owners which makes it easy and we will just do what’s right by her.
“She is a valuable mare and we will look after her.”
Claiming an impressive total of four wins and two minor places from just seven competitive race starts to date, Commanding Jewel was a standout performer over her maiden racing preparation in the spring of 2012; winning each of her first two starts and claiming places in both the Group 3 Thousand Guineas Prelude (1400m) and Group 3 Edward Manifold Stakes (1610m) prior to her Thousand Guineas triumph.
Returning for just two starts last spring, the mare of our Regard was unlucky to finish sixth when blocked for a run in the Listed Carlyon Stakes (1000m) before returning to the winner’s circle in style ahead of a talented field that included fellow Tattersall’s Tiara contestant Catkins in the Group 2 Let’s Elope Stakes (1400m) on September 7th.
Forced from the track following a stable accident, Commanding Jewel is currently in line for a long and busy 2014 spring campaign.
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