Carlyon Stakes: Miss Albania’s chances get a boost with Jamie Kah booking

A surprise text from Jamie Kah’s manager asking about the ride on Miss Albania in Saturday’s Listed Carlyon Stakes at The Valley strengthened trainer Enver Jusufovic’s opinion of the progressive sprinter.

Jusufovic, whose banner horse O’Malley ran third in the 2016 Carlyon Stakes behind Heatherly, will saddle up arguably his best chance yet in more than a decade in the caper to win a stakes race.

Miss Albania is a $4 second elect behind Valley specialist Ancestry, the $3.20 favourite.

“I couldn‘t be any happier with the horse and having the services of Jamie Kah will hopefully be advantageous,” Jusufovic said.

With all the speed in the race drawn outside gates the start will be critical as Ancestry, Miss Albania, Greyworm and Esta La Roca all surge forward.

Kah’s innate race craft and timing will be invaluable in this speed duel.

“We’ve tried on several occasions to obtain her (Kah) services to no avail and on this occasion they texted us,” Jusufovic said.

“She became available and certainly nothing wrong with Liam’s (Riordan) ride but the owner has been chasing Jamie for a while.”

Jamie Kah sought the ride on Miss Albania in the Carlyon Stakes. Picture: Racing Photos via Getty ImagesSource:Getty Images

Miss Albania led first-up at Caulfield but faded to finish third.

The five-year-old daughter of Magnus bounced back second-up – settling in a stalking position – to run over the top of pacesetter Oxley Road.

“It’s going to be a really tactical race, obviously there’s an abundance of speed there being a 1000m race so it will be interesting who leads,” Jusufovic said.

“Only one horse can lead, we’ll see what transpires.”

Ancestry, Ballistic Lover and Greyworm all go into the race on Saturday fresh off respective breaks.

Jusufovic has three black type placings from 24 starters in stakes races.

“It’d be a milestone for sure (to win),” Jusufovic said.

Jusufovic has not made plans for Miss Albania beyond Saturday, electing to by guided her performance and the owners’ wishes.

“We’ll see what’s on offer and whether she has a little break to target some of the richer races in the spring,” Jusufovic said.

Miss Albania has four wins and three placings in seven starts.

Originally published asMiss Albania gets boost with Kah booking

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