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QTIS Jewel showdown looms for Rocky pair

13 February 2020

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By Glenn Davis

Trainer John Wigginton is looking forward to a showdown between stable star Better Reflection and fellow Rockhampton flyer Master Jamie in next month’s $300,000 QTIS Jewel at the Gold Coast.

But first, Wigginton wants to see Better Reflection continue on her winning way in the QTIS Three-Year-Old Handicap (1200m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

The Graeme Green-trained Master Jamie is favored to take out the three-year-old QTIS Jewel (1200m) on March 14 after stretching his winning sequence to four with a decisive win at Eagle Farm last Saturday.

It took his record to 11 wins from 14 starts.

“We’ve never met in a race but Better Reflection did beat Master Jamie by four lengths in a barrier trial,” Wigginton said.

Home town bragging rights will be up for grabs between the two star three-year-olds if all goes to plan with Better Reflection.

Better Reflection missed the Magic Millions Guineas in January following a setback but showed she had take no harm with a brilliant first-up win at the Sunshine Coast on January 25.

“She pulled up sore one day after a gallop and we found she had a stone bruise which put her out of the (Magic Millions) Guineas,” Wigginton said.

“Then we had a bit of trouble getting her right as it was deep seated.

“I sent her to Washpool Lodge and she did a lot of work on the water walker before she won at the Sunshine Coast.”

Wigginton believes there’s little separating Master Jamie and Better Reflection who has won four of her seven starts.

One of those wins was against the Rex Lipp-trained Gem Of Scotland who was rated one of the State’s best two-year-old last season.

“I don’t think there’s much between them at all,” Wigginton said.

“I think with Master Jamie he breaks their hearts when he straightens and kicks for home on the turn.

“His sectionals aren’t that great but it’s just how he kicks away and leaves them behind once he straightens.”

Wigginton shied away from claiming on Better Reflection who will carry topweight with 59kgs.

“Brad (Stewart) won on her with 59kgs last start and if she gets to the QTIS Jewel he’ll ride her again,” he said.

Wigginton plans to give Better Reflection her final QTIS Jewel dress rehearsal in the Jewel Prelude (1200m) at Doomben on February 29.

Racing Queensland webnews   February 13