The real Commanding Jewel stood up at Flemington yesterday in winning the Group 2 Let’s Elope Stakes, honouring the 1991 Melbourne Cup winner.

Moonee Valley was not her spot when she opened her spring campaign this time in, after being off the scene since her Thousand Guineas win back in October.

She has developed into a magnificent quality mare with a pretty high price tag attached to her, she didn’t like being locked in on the fence last time, she sounded that message loud and clear.

Yesterday she was in her comfort zone on the outside for most of the trip at a distance she enjoys racing centre field, until it was time to get serious about the issue.

Those that received the $9 odds can enjoy it now; it is not likely to be repeated again in a race restricted to mares.

Commanding Jewel in full flight

It was quite a wide betting race, with A Time For Julia the preferred favourite ahead of Thy, both being out of the Peter Moody yard.

Trainer Leon Corstens has been patient with Commanding Jewel, as have her group of owners, headed by successful syndicator Brad Spicer, he selected the mare out of the Magic Millions Sales as a yearling.

The immediate mission for Commanding Jewel is likely to be the Toorak Handicap; she has won over the distance of 1600 metres and is adaptable around Caulfield.

Much would depend on that run whether she presses on to the final day at Flemington, with the Emirates Stakes the most likely option.  

Amy-Lee Shadbolt shows off Commanding Jewel