Racing: Irish Jewel tipped to sparkle at Paeroa

Not a lot has gone right for Irish Jewel since her close-up fifth in the Karaka Million last January. Photo / Thinkstock

This time last year, Andrew Scott was putting the Karaka Million polish on the race favourite for the country's richest juvenile race.

A year on, the Matamata trainer would be just thrilled to see Irish Jewel regain some confidence with a win in a lowly $6000 R70 sprint at Paeroa today.

Not a lot has gone right in the interim for Irish Jewel since her close-up fifth in the Karaka Million last January behind Sister Havana and co.

The Street Cry filly was checked out of contention when heavily backed again next-up in the Matamata Breeders' Stakes.

She resumed in October encouragingly enough with a fast-closing fourth to smart types Queen Of Pop, Eight Schillings, and St Beune at Ellerslie.

But bad luck struck again in her only two subsequent starts, for eighth in R70 company at Pukekohe and last place in the group three Eulogy Stakes behind King's Rose on December 11.

Irish Jewel drew the outside gate in the 15-horse field at Pukekohe, was trapped wide during the running, yet still made good ground in the straight.

Encouraged by that run, owners Sir Michael Fay and Sir Patrick and Lady Hogan, headed to the Eulogy.

But she botched her chances by getting wound up before the start, so stirred up she had to be taken out of the gates and inspected by a vet.

After that she was slow away and raced ungenerously throughout.

Freshened up a treat since, Scott expects a major form reversal from Irish Jewel today in just her seventh career start.

"We're just hoping the drop back in class and distance will help her do her best [today]," said Scott.

"She certainly gets a good chance to build a bit of confidence from this race."

Scott also tips an improved performance today from stablemate Henri Jayer (race 10).

He was held up in the straight when a close-up sixth on debut in a strong maiden line-up at Te Aroha in November.

Next time out he failed to handle the slow track when 11th at Ellerslie on December 28.

"Back on firm ground we expect him to be very competitive," said Scott.