Former Sky Racing pitch analyst Lizzie Jelfs will act as an independent consultant to train Annabel Neasham in the selection of hatchlings in next week’s Magic Millions Gold Coast sale.
Renowned for her keen eye for her astute selection of ‘Pick of the Yard’ for the Sydney racing broadcaster, Jelfs is looking forward to transferring that precious fortune to the world of blood and supply. granted ponies to Neasham’s development stables, after leaving Sky Racing in December.
“We are both like-minded people and I am looking to get more involved in that buying and consulting side,” Jelfs told ANZ Bloodstock News.
“I have a good track record in the equestrian field and I have been in racing for a very long time, and I have the unique preeminence of working with horses from an early age when the 2 year old kids and train them and be a part of that and also my role in the media and now go into this aspect of picking out the ponies.
“I think it’s important, whether you’re looking at old horses or old horses, to look at all the different types of horses. I know what a good horse looks like and I know they come in all shapes and sizes. size.
“They can win races that look very different than they normally do. You look at a horse like it’s like. Nature strip ; he’s a big, fast sprinter, he’s not your classic sharp sprinter, but it works. So I think I could be pretty forgiving and (the transition) would be pretty seamless. “
The pair have formed a close bond in racing circles, having raced together Brisbane and ATC Sires’ Produce winner Queen Of Wizardry, while they teamed up to buy a Smart missile for AU$130,000 during last year’s Magic Millions sale. The chubby little girl, named Badda Boom Baby, was tested at Warwick Farm on December 30, behind her stablemate and possibly Gold Pearl Smart Vengeance runner-up.
The official addition of Jelfs will add strength to an already formidable team in the nascent coaching run of 31-year-old Neasham, as she joins current bloodline consultant Brian McGuire in the selection. fingerlings in the sale next week.
Jelfs, who in her role with Sky Racing has developed a celebrity fan base, will aim to bring a new and diverse set of customers into Neasham’s ownership pool under the ‘Race With Lizzie’ banner. ‘
“We had a few conversations and we came up with the idea that we wanted to get more people involved and make it a little more diverse,” says Jelfs.
“We didn’t want it to be an exclusive partnership, it was a very inclusive partnership. ‘Race with Lizzie’ was born because I was so interested in my racehorses. I’ve had messages on social media and people asking, “If you buy a horse, could you please let me know and tell me what it is,” and I said. with Annabel all about it and she said we should do something together.
“It’s something on my mind that I’ve always wanted to do but it’s just been the case for Annabel and I to link up and do it together. She believes in me and I believe in her and that’s true. is what’s starting the fat.”
Neasham who will win the Magic Millions 2YO Classic on January 15 with the winner of the Magic Millions Wyong 2yo Classic Ambition soars, won five group 1 wins in her first year as a coach, most notably through three steady group 1 wins. Zaaki , as well as the victory of Mo’unga in Sky Racing Rosehill Guineas (G1) and Winx Stakes (G1).
In an effort to add to that stretch, the Jelfs’ first assignment was to keep an eye on the nearly 1,200 horses offered for sale at the season’s inaugural Gold Coast Yearling Sale and, while interest in diversity also shifted When it comes to the selection of racehorses, the focus will be on ensuring quality rather than quantity.
Jelfs added: “They’re not just going to be early horses, we’re looking for really good racehorses and I know what that takes.
“We’re just going through and now moving into a second look and all you can be sure of is that I’m not ready to buy anything I don’t love and don’t stand behind and I just really focus on finding the next talented racehorse.
“The Golden Slipper is the one you dream of winning… but having Everests, Melbourne Cups, Cox Plates, it doesn’t really matter. As long as you find a horse your customers will have a little fun with and making a profit, I think that’s the biggest thing.”
