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Button banks on Jemeldi's fitness edge

3 minute read

Co-trainer Tom Button is hopeful a fitness advantage could pave the way for Jemeldi to end a string of placings at the Sunshine Coast on Wednesday.

Jockey : BEN THOMPSON
Jockey : BEN THOMPSON Picture: Michael McInally/Racing Queensland

Jemeldi - a Ben Thompson mount - lines up in a field of eight in the Class 6 Plate over 1000 metres.

Of his seven opponents, five will be resuming in new campaigns while Jemeldi is a seasoned sprinter having started eight starts this preparation for two wins and four placings.

Tom Button, who trains in partnership with Ryan Tyrell in the Gold Coast hinterland, believes Jemeldi is overdue for another win after four straight placings.

The four-year-old is coming off two city placings including a game third to the Paul Wallace-trained Ned's Gully in a 1200 metre Class 6 event at Eagle Farm on August 12.

"It's hard to line him up against horses resuming but if he runs up to his recent form, he'll be right in the finish," Button said.

"We've been riding him more patiently and he seems to be liking it.

"He's fairly deep into this preparation and more than likely he'll go for a spell after this and come back for the summer."

Jemeldi has drawn an awkward barrier in seven. 

"It's an awkward draw but there's already a scratching and it's a good run from the 1000 metres start at Caloundra," Button said.

Jemeldi gave Button his first Sydney runner when he finished a close third to Promitto in the Group 2 Skyline Stakes on a heavy Randwick track as a two-year-old in 2022.

He returned to Queensland for the winter carnival but did not measure up in the Listed Dalrello Stakes and Group 2 Champagne Classic at Eagle Farm.

Button then aimed him for the Magic Millions Guineas at the Gold Coast but he failed to qualify.

He beat one runner home over 1200 metres at the Gold Coast a week before the $2 million feature.

"Nothing went right for him that campaign and it's fair to say he hasn't quite lived to his Group 2 placing in Sydney as a two-year-old," Button said.

"He's in the right race this time and he's been going a lot better this campaign.

"His last two placings in town were very good but he's better with some give in the track.

"He's very good in the wet but he hasn't struck a wet track for a while."


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