Atlantic Jewel Ticking Over Nicely Before Caulfield Stakes

Glamour mare Atlantic Jewel will have the opportunity to turn-the-tables on It’s A Dundeel in the Group 1 Caulfield Stakes (2000m) on October 12 and, according to trainer Mark Kavanagh, she is ticking over nicely after participating in trackwork this morning.

Atlantic Jewel and It's A Dundeel will meet again in the Caulfield Stakes next Saturday.

Atlantic Jewel and It's A Dundeel will meet again in the Caulfield Stakes next Saturday. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia

Atlantic Jewel suffered her first defeat when she was upset by It’s A Dundeel in the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield on September 21; with the Fastnet Rock mare outstayed in the final stages of the race after being forced to lead.

Kavanagh was clearly disappointed with the defeat but told Sky Racing HQ that Atlantic Jewel has come out of the race well and will be better for the run over 1800 metres.

“Sooner or later when you get these horses back from a long spell they are going to be found wanting,” Kavanagh said.

“She was found wanting by a tougher and fitter horse on the day.

“She bounced back well, I am happy with her progress, and she will be a fitter horse for the outing.”

The leading trainer revealed that Atlantic Jewel had not done much serious work since her Underwood Stakes defeat but performed well when galloping over 1800 metres at Flemington this morning.

“We just keep her ticking over and give her a bit of work,” Kavanagh said.

“I had her booked to go on the steeple grass but we ended up putting her out on the course proper and she went over nine furlongs and clicked up the last couple.

“It was never serious but it will keep her ticking over.”

Atlantic Jewel is set to head to the Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley on October 25, after running in the Caulfield Stakes next weekend, where she could face stablemate Super Cool who will return to the races in the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on Saturday.

Super Cool finished a disappointing fourth behind Fiorente in the Group 2 Dato’ Tan Chin Nam Stakes (1600m) after being blocked for a run in the final stages of the race.

Kavanagh said that plenty went against Super Cool in the Dato’ Tan Chin Nam Stakes and is confident that the son of Fastnet Rock will return to his best form this weekend.

“He didn’t get to where he wanted to be at the time, Michael (Rodd) had to switch back to the inside, and he got a bit galloped on,” Kavanagh said.

“It was a credible effort and with the bigger track at Flemington he will be happier this week I think.”

Atlantic Jewel ($3.80) remains the equal favourite with It’s A Dundeel in Cox Plate betting markets while Super Cool is on the fifth line of betting at odds of $16.

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Thomas Hackett

Thomas is a passionate and opinionated racing journalist and punter who has been obsessed with horse racing since he backed Saintly to win the 1996 Melbourne Cup. An international racing enthusiast, he has his finger on the pulse of racing news not just from Australia but all around the world.