Commanding Jewel made amends for two recent defeats, in no uncertain fashion, with an outstanding performance to win the One Thousand Guineas.

At her two previous defeats she basically beat herself by reefing and pulling, failing to settle down at any stage, Damien Oliver made sure there was not going to be a repeat performance this time.

It was a great ride by Oliver, one of his best despite the pressures, and there has been plenty of those in the past week, he showed the qualities of a true professional, putting it all behind with only one thought in mind, winning.

Commanding Jewel began well as usual, this time she settled down better in the first half dozen, she had a charmed run to the turn, once the question was asked she responded immediately, the issue was never in doubt thereafter.

Commanding Jewel wins the 1000 Guineas

Punters had trouble sorting out a favourite, ignoring much of recent form, finally electing the Flemington trained filly, Balaclava Lady, as the preferred favourite.

The win of Commanding Jewel was a great success story for Leon Corstens, there were those that said she wouldn’t get a mile, he only smiled, he had other ideas.

That was the completion of this present campaign she is off to the paddock for a well earned break, the Autumn awaits her. 

Leon Corstens with Damian Oliver