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By Ray Hickson

The weight of history is in the back of trainer Annabel Neasham’s mind as she prepares star mare Amelia’s Jewel for Saturday’s Group 1 $1 million Coolmore Classic (1500m) at Rosehill Gardens.

Annabel Neasham (Pic: Trackside).

Just a year ago Zougotcha carried top weight of 57kg to win the fillies and mares feature but Amelia’s Jewel is asked to shoulder an extra kilogram following her breakthrough Sydney win in the Guy Walter two weeks ago.

No horse has carried more than 57kg to win the Coolmore since Sunline’s dual wins in 2000 and 2002 under the 60kg.

Neasham said on Sky Sports Radio she respects what the five-year-old is being asked to do, conceding a weight advantage to the likes of star fillies Lady Shenandoah and Lady Of Camelot, but is banking on her class to shine through.

“She will be giving weight away to some nice up and coming fillies and mares, it’s never easy to carry top weight, but she’s certainly the class horse of the field and it’s nice to be going there off the back of a win,’’ Neasham said.

Josh Parr takes over the ride on Amelia’s Jewel, $5.50 with TAB on Wednesday, after James McDonald guided her to an all the way first-up win.

He’s no stranger to the former Perth mare having been on board in both her lead up trials prior to resuming.

Neasham said it was a little unexpected to see her leading in the Guy Walter but with a favourable barrier Parr will have options on Saturday.

“We’ve had a bit of luck with him on the brother Bosustow so Peter Walsh is happy to have Josh on, he came and galloped her (Tuesday) and he’s looking forward to partnering her,’’ she said.

“She’s not normally a leader but they gifted her the lead the other day, not sure they’ll do the same again.

“It’s all tempo related, just ride her where she’s happy. She’s got a great turn of foot.

“She ended up being ridden closer with the blinkers on at the end of last prep down in Melbourne, we’ve left them off for now. The main thing is just having her in her rhythm.”

West Of Africa and Sibaaq chase an exemption into next month’s Doncaster Mile via the Group 2 $300,000 Hyland Race Colours Ajax Stakes (1500m).

Of the duo Neasham, who co-trains with Rob Archibald, is expecting West Of Africa to be a sharp improver on his last start sixth at Rosehill which was off a five week break from his last-to-first Magic Millions Cup win.

“He was brilliant winning the Magic Millions Cup, we freshened him up with a view of trying to head toward the Doncaster,’’ she said.

“He maybe got away from us a touch, he probably got a bit tired in the concluding stages but he will strip fitter for that.”

Meanwhile, Neasham said a change of plan will see Fawkner Park tackle the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) on Saturday week.

The gelding exceeded expectation first-up when he finished a close fourth in the Verry Elleegant Stakes and he’ll be given the chance to show whether he should be aimed at the Tancred or Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

“His work is sharp, he’s going really well at home so we’re going to wait an extra week,’’ she said.

Amelia's Jewel wins at Randwick on March 1

“The Ranvet will tell us, he was a length and a half off Via Sistina. Not necessarily saying we’re going to turn the tables with her, and Dubai Honour will be there as well, but he deserves his opportunity.

“I think he’s come back better and I thought that was as good a first-up run you could hope for.”

All the fields, form and replays for Saturday’s meeting at Rosehill