Racing media personality Lizzie Jelfs will have a vested interest when she nominates her pick of the parade ring prior to the Max Lees Classic at Newcastle.
The popular Sky Racing presenter is a part-owner of debutante Pippa Charlotte, a superbly bred three-quarter sister to Magic Millions Classic winner Away Game.
Named after Pippa Middleton, who also has a well-known big sister in Prince Williams’ wife Kate, Pippa Charlotte is trained by Jelf’s good friend Annabel Neasham.
The pair forged a strong bond during Neasham’s time as the head of Ciaron Maher and David Eustace’s Sydney operation and Jelf’s has backed Neasham in her next chapter as a trainer in her own right.
“We’re good mates so it’s going to be a bit of fun,” Neasham said.
“Obviously in the past she ran David Hayes’ stable up in Sydney so she has been in a similar position to where I am, certainly when I was working with Ciaron, so it’s always nice to have her support.”
While Neasham has only held her trainers’ licence since the start of the season, she knows Pippa Charlotte’s family well.
She was closely involved in Away Game’s two-year-old campaign, working with the Maher and Eustace-trained filly leading up to her Magic Millions triumph and Golden Slipper placing.
Neasham says Away Game and Pippa Charlotte are both neat fillies with good attitudes but it remains to be seen whether the younger sibling has the same talent.
“They’re similar in size, they’re both small,” Neasham said.
“I hope they’re similar in ability as well but she’s got big shoes to fill.”
If the daughter of Not A Single Doubt can show some early promise, Neasham is keen to give Pippa Charlotte the chance to emulate her big sister at the Gold Coast.
“The Magic Millions is certainly an aim if she’s good enough,” she said.
Pippa Charlotte is a $5 chance for the Max Lees Classic (900m) with Godolphin filly Sliders, a half sister to Group One winner Flit, an early $2.70 favourite.
