Atlantic Jewel became the first filly in 70 years to win the Group One All Aged Stakes at Randwick today as she extended her unbeaten run to seven.
On a day Australian champions Black Caviar and Pierro also extended their unbeaten streaks, Atlantic Jewel showed she was one of the country’s best with another feature win.
The filly showed her customary dazzling finishing burst to reel in the leader and second favourite Rain Affair to win in brilliant style.
While the winning margin wasn’t as great as many has expected, the performance was outstanding and her connection were rightly delighted with the win.
“I think she has put in a pretty good effort,” Kavanagh said.
“They ran pretty good time, she is on the improve and he is a tough fella that Rain Affair and he got a couple of cheap sections in there.”
“They don’t have to win by much do they!? Octagonal didn’t win by much, did he?”
“It was her first test at weight-for-age and first test against the boys and she has had to work – she knows how to win.”
Kavanagh said he was very excited about what the future might hold for Atlantic Jewel.
“I do (look forward to what lies ahead). I will be certainly making sure she is okay later on this afternoon and tomorrow.”
“She will go the paddock now and head toward the spring.”
“We will talk about (future plans) with the Coolmore boys tonight. We just want to make out the right campaign for her and put her in the right races but it (the Cox Plate) is definitely on the agenda.”
“She is special,” an emotional Kavanagh summed up the performance.
Michael Rodd was thrilled with the victory considering the way the race and run and Rain Affair was allowed to roll along in front with no pressure.
“It wasn’t ideal,” Rodd said. “With King Mufhasa coming out of the race, it took the donkey out the race that was going to drag me up to Rain Affair.”
“She began brilliantly so I was able to get her off the fence.”
“I tried not to let Rain Affair get too far ahead of me. I was having a bit each way letting her roll up, then letting her keep something in reserve.”
“It was a massive effort from her to do that – in all her other races she has had something drag her up.”
“Like everyone said during the week – this is her toughest test and she has come through it,” Rodd summed up.
A daughter of the all conquering Coolmore Stud based sire star Fastnet Rock, Atlantic Jewel was purchased by leading international bloodstock agent Demi O’Byrne for $320,000 at the 2010 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
O’Byrne retained a share in the star filly and he races her in partnership with Susan Magnier’s Coolmore Syndicate, Michael Kirwan, Mathilde Texier, Laurie Macri and MV Magnier.
From the Zabeel mare Regard, Atlantic Jewel was bred by Greg Perry and sold through the draft of Vinery Stud at the Gold Coast.
The unbeaten sensation has earned over $920,000 and that figure looks set to skyrocket during the spring carnival.
Winner: Atlantic Jewel
Breeding: Fastnet Rock-Regard (Zabeel)
Race: ATC All Aged Stakes G1 (1400m)
Sold for: $320,000
Sale: 2010 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale
Vendor: Vinery Stud (As Agent)
Buyer: Demi O’Byrne
Earnings: $922,925
Owner(s): Coolmore Syndicate (Mgr: Mrs S Magnier), LM Macri, MJ Kirwan, Ms M Texier, C Murphy, MV Magnier & DL O’Byrne
Trainer: Mark Kavanagh (Flemington)
