Tommy Berry has made a rare trip to Kembla Grange to test Jamaea in a barrier trial and his feedback has only fuelled trainer Luke Price’s belief that the filly has returned better than ever.
An $8 equal favourite for next month’s $2 million Magic Millions Guineas (1400m) at the Gold Coast, Jamaea was making her first public appearance since the Golden Rose and scored a narrow but comfortable win in her 790m heat on Wednesday.
Price, who trains in partnership with his father Robert, says the dual Group 2 winner has furnished physically since the spring and he has been delighted with her progress at home.
Jamaea is slated to resume in the Listed Nudgee Stakes (1200m) at Doomben on January 1, two weeks before the Magic Millions Guineas.
Berry has made it clear he wants to be aboard for both.
“We had Brock (Ryan) on standby to go up and ride her on the first (in the Nudgee Stakes) just in case, but Tommy said, ‘wherever this goes, I go’,” Luke Price said.
“That is reassuring the horse is going well.
“She is a lot stronger than what she was last prep, and I’m really excited about her going forward.”
Robert and Luke Price have had a breakout year, winning the $1 million Percy Sykes and Furious Stakes with Jamaea, before plundering the $1 million The Gong with Count De Rupee.
The latter is enjoying a well-earned spell and will return to work after Christmas to prepare for the autumn.
Jamaea will also be aimed at Sydney’s carnival races with the Surround Stakes her first autumn goal.