04 June 2019 | PAUL COURTS
EXCEPTIONALLY-BRED filly Jemstone will be out to match a feat of her star sibling when she ventures to Tabcorp Park Melton on Saturday night.
Kept fresh since her second in the Australian Pacing Gold Final at Albion Park four weeks ago, Jemstone is engaged in the Youthful Stake for trainer Emma Stewart.
The two-year-old’s half-sister Kualoa – also prepared by Stewart – captured last season’s edition.
In what connections hope will be an omen, Jemstone’s prospects in the feature are identical to Kualoa.
Kualoa’s win was registered on June 8 – Saturday night’s date – she began from barrier 11, which happens to be Jemstone’s draw, and was driven by Chris Alford who will partner the daughter of Bettors Delight!
“I didn’t realise the similarities in their circumstances heading into the race,” Stewart said. “Hopefully that’s a good sign she will match Kualoa in the final piece of the puzzle by winning the race.
“She was given a freshen-up after she got back from Queensland which did her the world of good.
“Her week has been terrific and she will be hard to beat despite the draw.”
Following this weekend’s appearance Jemstone will be aimed at the Vicbred Super Series, where she will again attempt to match Kualoa.
The futurity begins with heats in Bendigo in a fortnight.
Should all go according to plan, Jemstone will then progress to the semi-finals and ultimately the Group One decider in Melton on July 6.
Also an APG eligible youngster, Kualoa made a clean sweep of the series last season.
“Time will tell if she can match Kualoa on the weekend and in the Sires’, but she is doing everything right so far,” Stewart said.
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