Atlantic Jewel confirmed her status as racing’s latest superstar with a stunning win in today’s Group Two Wakeful Stakes (2000m) at Flemington.
Sent out a well backed $1.26 favourite, Atlantic Jewel treated her rivals with contempt – pulling away in the straight to win by seven lengths – a margin which could have been virtually doubled if she was called upon.
A $320,000 purchase from the 2010 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Atlantic Jewel is now unbeaten in five runs – all this campaign. Last start she scored a stunning win in the Group One Thousand Guineas.
“That was a bit arrogant the way she did it, I must admit, but it was pretty good,” Kavanagh beamed from the winner’s stall.
“Traditionally, you’d think a three-year-old filly having her fourth start, winning a Group One they way she did (in the Thousand Guineas), she would go home, but she improved again.”
“I assured the boys this filly hasn’t gone backwards, she has improved and that’s good enough for us.”
“She has a turn of foot and she’s so athletic. (She is) just a very special horse.”
Provided the super filly pulls up well she will be back at Flemington on Thursday where she will start one of the short priced favourites in the history of the VRC Oaks.
“We’ll see how she eats tonight and make a decision,” Kavanagh said while admitting to not knowing what the longer term future held for the Fastnet Rock filly.
“We will probably let the dust settle after this week, she what happens Thursday and then have a chat with the boys.”
Despite being eased down on the line by Michael Rodd, Atlantic Jewel ($1.26-$1.28-$1.26 fav) held a massive seven length margin over the runner-up Rahveel ($51-$71).
Second favourite Dowager Queen ($7-$9) was the best of the rest in third place, a further half length back.
Winning rider Michael Rodd was searching for the right superlative to be used for the horse he regards the best and most exciting he’s ever ridden.
“My number one aim is to keep her out of trouble,” Rodd said. “You don’t have to ride a pretty race with a horse like that.”
“She is quite a big filly with a massive stride on her. She just destroys them.”
Rodd said he could find no reason, aside from the filly’s condition, not to run in Thursday’s Group One Oaks.
“I pulled up and had a look and she’s had enough of a blow to carry her through to the Oaks. Obviously they will discuss it but I’m sure she will be there.”
Demi O’Byrne, the world renowned bloodstock agent who purchased Atlantic Jewel from the Gold Coast, was on course at Flemington to witness the filly wow the massive crowd.
“A great thrill,” O’Byrne described the feeling. “It was great to be here to see her race in the flesh.”
Atlantic Jewel was bred by Greg Perry and sold through the draft of Vinery Stud at last year’s Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
She is a daughter of Danehill’s former outstanding sprinting son Fastnet Rock and is from a daughter of champion New Zealand based sire Zabeel.
Her dam Regard won two races at 1400 and 1600 metres and hails from the family of international Group One winners Pass the Peace, Embassy and King’s Apostle.
The filly’s $320,000 purchase price is looking a bargain considering she has now earned over $576,000 and is worth many times that as a future racing and breeding prospect.
Winner: Atlantic Jewel
Breeding: Fastnet Rock-Regard (Zabeel)
Race: VRC Wakeful Stakes G2 (2000m)
Sold for: $320,000
Sale: 2010 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale
Vendor: Vinery Stud (As Agent)
Buyer: Demi O’Byrne
Earnings: $576,225
Owner(s): Coolmore (Mgr: Mrs S Magnier), Mr LM Macri, Mr MJ Kirwan, Ms M Texier, Mr C Murphy, Mr MV Magnier & Arkle (Mgr: D O’Byrne)
Trainer: Mark Kavanagh (Flemington)
