Jessamin on track to black-type success

Winning debutant Jessamin reignites her quest for black-type on her racing record when she resumes from an extended at Warwick Farm.

The three-year-old enjoyed a dream introduction at the Sydney track in November, and although co-trainer Adrian Bott thought the Magic Millions 2YO Classic was a viable target in January, Jessamin instead headed for the paddock.

“She had a good long spell after having a slight setback early on. She just needed a little bit of time,” Bott explained, ahead of Wednesday’s TAB Rewards Handicap (1200m).

Bott, who trains in partnership with Gai Waterhouse, trialled Jessamin at Randwick on August 21, where she placed third behind Tangled and All Too Sweet over 735m.

“She did a few things wrong but I think she’s a quality filly for us going forward,” Bott said.

Jessamin beat Memento by three-quarters of a length on debut, a filly who made the jump up to Group company in the Magic Night Stakes and Champagne Stakes during autumn.

Bott has the same aspirations for Jessamin, the $5 second favourite with the TAB behind the Kris Lees-trained Intrinsic ($2.25).

Jessamin is raced by prominent breeder George Altomonte after she was passed over at the Magic Millions Yearling Sales.

“Obviously retaining a filly like this to race, it’s crucial we can enhance her value by getting some stakes success so she can be an asset as a broodmare,” Bott said.

Waterhouse and Bott also introduce three-year-colt Fresh Start to racing in a 3YO Maiden (1200m) as a $6 chance.

Fresh Start was also nominated for the 1400m Maiden by Bott said the shorter distance was a better fit.

“A couple of runners in the 1400 look a little more seasoned than him.

“He’s a lovely, big strong individual who will make a nice strong type of miler in time,” Bott said.