Jemeldi Looks to Atone with Cluden Return

Classy Bowen sprinter Jemedli was meant to be hobnobbing it at the big Magic Millions card this week but instead will chase lesser glory at Cluden Park tomorrow.

Trainer Tom Button abandoned at the $300,000 MM Country Cup after the gelding’s initial lead-up was washed out in Townsville and he then laboured to finish unplaced on a sweltering day in Cairns a fortnight ago.

A disappointed Button is hoping for redemption in Townsville with a switch back to the gelding’s favourite 1000m trip in the Ladbrokes Open Hcp on Friday.

“It’s very disappointing. Everything really hinged on the race (MM  Qualifier) in Townsville where we would have had three weeks to the MM but once it was switched to Cairns it was over for us,” Button said.

“It’s the hottest I’ve ever been at a race track and the horse just didn’t handle it.

“He didn’t pull up real good and took a couple of days to get over it but he seems good now.

“Certainly on his form, the 1000m is more his go and you can afford to be a little more aggressive on him at the trip.”

Button has opted for senior jockey Justin Stanley for Friday’s event and from barrier 3 is expecting him to bounce back to something like his best form.

Jemeldi has produced his six wins from a distance range of 1000m to 1110m and remains a doubt at 1200m despite city placings.

The Winning Rupert five-year-old showed above average ability early in his career with wins at his first two starts in 2yo company in Brisbane before a surprise third over 1200m in the G2 Skyline Stakes at Randwick.

But he posted just two more wins in two seasons before Button brought him north late in 2024.

He has since won at Cluden and Cairns over 1000m and despite failing at 1200m twice Button believes it’s just a matter of time before he gets the six furlong monkey off his back.

“It’s a similar sort of race to the couple that he’s won up here. If the right Jemeldi turns up I’m sure he’ll be in the finish,” Button said.

“I think he can certainly win over 1200m it’s just that when he’s got to the trip in the past certain things haven’t gone his way.

“He’s run some very good races over 1200m against strong class but just hasn’t ticked the win box yet.

“But I think he will do it.”

Button fancies the stable’s chance with four other runners on the day and rates Mythbusta in the Ede Events QTIS 3yo Mdn Hcp one of his better chances.

He will also saddle up Under The Limit and Finsceal in the Explore Property Munro & Co BM70 Hcp (1400m).

Madam Borodina will fly the flag for the stable in the Thank You Mikaela Stark 0-55 Hcp (1000m).

Button also shares in the ownership of the progressive King Pin Power, who is trained by Bronte Kent, and will go head to head with Madam Borodina.