Jameka wins 2016 Naturalism Stakes Group 3 $150,000 at Caulfield (VIC), 2000m.
Jameka began well and had a good run in third place on the rails from her inside barrier (1). She stuck to the rails (as most the field went wide) rounding the home turn. She took the lead shortly afterwards and then drew right away over the closing stages to score decisively in a smart effort at her third run this preparation.
The top weight (58.5kg) Gallante, who was having his first run since winning the Sydney Cup (Gr 1, 3200m) in April, settled in second place behind the free-running leader (Tom Melbourne). He challenged at the home turn and kept fighting gamely to take a very promising first-up second.
Berisha settled well back in second last place in the 16-horse field from his wide barrier (15). He got between runners rounding the home turn, went deep at the 200m and ran on nicely to take a good third.
Set Square settled in eighth place, improved nicely (wide) from the 700m, got to fourth (wide out) at the 300m and kept fighting to hold that position to the post, beaten just over five lengths.
Magnapal raced in sixth place, moved up wide at the home turn and held on for (5.6 lengths) fifth while the favourite Tom Melbourne soon found the lead, ran along at a good pace and held the front until straightening. He then battled on fairly well to finish (5.8 lengths) sixth.
