As we swiftly approach the twelfth edition of the Harness Jewels, the time for reflection over the back catalogue of previous winners can prove to be some interesting reading.
Studying the leaderboards in each category for this year will be on the agenda for many connections as the cut off for the Jewels fields looms on the conclusion of racing at Oamaru on the 20th May.
These leaderboards present some intriguing insights on the breeding element as we start to see former Jewels winners producing foals that have, and may potentially, follow in their own footsteps.
Pocaro (the Three-Year-Old Ruby winner in 2009) has so far been the only Jewels winning mare to produce a subsequent winner on Jewels day. Her first foal Missandei was successful in the Two-Year-Old Ruby in 2015.
As a sire, former dual Jewels winner Changeover last year recorded his first Jewels winner in Dizzy Miss Lizzy.
One broodmare who has had an outstanding record in the Jewels despite not racing in them herself has been Howz Lucky.
A daughter of the late great Sundon, Howz Lucky has had eight foals of racing age, and amazingly she has had seven of those foals represent her on Jewels day.
Her best result so far has been with Madisonz Luck, who herself started in three editions, and was able to finish second.
The only horse to miss a spot in the field was Rosemaryz Luck, and her ninth foal is a two-year-old named Peakz Luck who recently qualified for James Stormont on April 14th.
Pacing broodmare Beaudiene Babe has produced two winners in Beaudiene Bad Babe and Beaudiene Boaz. She could potentially add to that tally this year with her with her two-year-old colt Beaudiene Western, who is currently in sixth position on the Emerald leaderboard.
Sundon mare Aspiring Lass has also been successful on two occasions with Jinja Gal and Royal Aspirations having won Jewels titles.
Whilst Paramount Geegee and Paramount King have continued the great run in the event by their dam, Paramount Star. Paramount King still needs to earn another $9,000 to reach the current top twelve in the 3YO Ruby category this year, but has already produced a win this season.
Pacing mare Hill Of Gold produced Gold Ace to win in 2011, but has also had Gold Elite and Strike The Gold to start in their respective Jewels events.
In the 2018 edition of the Jewels the leaderboards include the following Jewels winners with progeny some of which could ultimately end up in the final fields:
Bettor Cover Lover – Bettor Getta Lover
Carabella – Olivia Rachel
Changeover – Dizzy Miss Lizzy, My Wee Man
Sir Lincoln – Onedin Reign, Yasmine Bromac, Linc’s Bute Girl
Lauraella – Christanna
Lancome – De Lancome
Cowgirls N Indians – Cowboys N Indians
One Over Da Moon – One Apollo
Merckx – Rave Nation
Auckland Reactor – Smoke N Reactor
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
Driving The Future Of Harness Racing
