Champion three-year-old filly Atlantic Jewel remains unbeaten after an impressive victory in the Group 1 All Aged Stakes (1400m) at Randwick today.
Photo by Racing and Sports
After returning from a spell in outstanding order to win the Sapphire Stakes with ease two weeks ago, the Mark Kavanagh-trained filly once again impressed racegoers with a dominating display and astonishing turn of foot.
Rain Affair once again jumped and went straight to the lead to set a fast tempo with Atlantic Jewel for the first time in her career having to sit up on the pace and stalk the leader.
At the top of the straight jockey Michael Rodd set out after Rain Affair levelling with the speedster at the 150m and was too good for the Joe Pride-trained runner, winning by an extending 1L with Ofcourseican running on very well for third.
Trainer Mark Kavanagh was once again lost for words after her seventh win in a row and is looking forward to a spring campaign with his filly, who will now be spelled.
“I think that was a pretty good effort, they ran pretty good time, she had to get past a pretty tough Rain Affair who had a cheap sectional along the way,” said Kavanagh.
“It is her first test at weight for age and her first test against the boys and she has had to work and she knows how to win.
“She will go to the paddock now and come back for the spring and we will map out her campaign for that.”
When asked if Atlantic Jewel was anywhere near the standard of Black Caviar, trainer Mark Kavanagh replied
“Black Caviar has done it all and Atlantic Jewel has it all to do.”
Jockey Michael Rodd said it wasn't ideal with King Mufhasa coming out of the race as it took the horse out of the race who was going to drag her up to Rain Affair.
“She began brilliantly; I was able to get her straight away from the fence,” Rodd said.
“I didn't want to let Rain Affair get too far ahead of me so I sort of had to have a bit each way, letting her roll up a little bit but also trying to keep something in reserve.
“It was a massive effort for her to do that because all of her races she has been back and has had something drag her up. Today was a really big test.
“What I really liked about it was she got past Rain Affair and she went to lay in a bit maybe under a bit of pressure.
“I pulled the stick through to my right hand and gave a couple of more hits and she kept pinging home.
“We know there is something there when we ask her. This was her toughest test and she has come through it.”
