Untapped filly Atlantic Jewel continued her march to the Group One Thousand Guineas with another stunning win – this time in the BMW Handicap (1100m) at Caulfield this afternoon.
Champion jockey Damien Oliver, riding the filly for the first time, had no hesitation in describing the daughter of Fastnet Rock as a “star.”
The filly is unbeaten in three runs and despite still appearing very raw she looks one of the country’s most outstanding prospects.
Sporting the famous navy blue colours of Coolmore Stud, Atlantic Jewel was purchased by leading international agent Demi O’Byrne for $320,000 from the Vinery Stud draft at last year’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
Atlantic Jewel is prepared at Flemington by Mark Kavanagh and the Melbourne Cup winning trainer is excited about his latest exceptional find.
“I was a bit worried when she shied away from the big screen like Celebrity Girl did last week,” Kavanagh noted.
“That was probably the only worry you had during the run.”
“She was just practicing. She’s a very good filly. I rate her up there.”
“She put on weight between runs this time. For a horse like that it’s a pretty good indication about how she is going.”
Kavanagh said he was looking forward to getting the filly to the Thousand Guineas in a couple of weeks – mindful that she would be stepping up in grade.
“She has raced against the lower grade. She hasn’t raced against those sorts of horses from last week – so it will be interesting to find out.”
Oliver had no doubts that the filly was amongst the most promising fillies in the land.
“She’s a star mate,” he said. “She had time to look at the sponsor’s board half way down the straight there and still win.”
“She had them covered a long way out. She idled the last 200 – really looking around. She’s quality”
As to whether the filly is better suited to sprints to a mile or classic distances, Oliver said the star prospect could well handle anything.
“I think whatever Kav wants her to do. She relaxes, she’s got a good temperament and switches off – so she should be able to handle anything,” he summed up.
Meanwhile, Lady Mahler gave her connections plenty to cheer about when she cruised to victory in Caulfield’s opening event.
A daughter of Al Maher, Lady Mahler was purchased for $70,000 at the 2008 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
One of four winners produced by the stakes winning Lord Waverley mare Promise Me, Lady Mahler is trained at the track by Clinton McDonald and was ridden to victory. by replacement rider Danny Nikolic.
Winner: Atlantic Jewel
Breeding: Fastnet Rock-Regard (Zabeel)
Race: MRC BMW Handicap (1400m)
Sold for: $320,000
Sale: 2010 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale
Vendor: Vinery Stud (As Agent)
Buyer: Demi O’Byrne
Owner(s): Coolmore Syndicate (Mgr: Mrs S Magnier), Mr LM Macri, Mr MJ Kirwan, Ms M Texier, Mr C Murphy, Mr MV Magnier & Arkle Syndicate (Mgr: DL O’Byrne)
Earnings: $92,225
Trainer: Mark Kavanagh (Flemington)
