Michael Rodd has continued to praise yesterday’s Thousand Guineas winner Atlantic Jewel, naming her as the best three-year-old he has ever ridden.
The jockey, who partnered three-year-olds such as Whobegotyou and Faint Perfume, feels Atlantic Jewel’s true ability remains untapped.
“I’ve been lucky to get on some really good three year olds and she does have the x factor over (them),” Rodd said.
“She relaxes very well (and) she’s got a massive stride so she covers a lot of ground.
“She won as she liked.
“(But) she’s very green and still very immature.”
Despite rumours Atlantic Jewel would be a late entry into the $3 million Cox Plate, Rodd said that the filly would be immediately spelled.
“She’s going straight to the paddock now,” he said.
“It’s her first preparation… and it’s definitely the right thing to do.
“We’ll have a very nice race horse come the autumn.”
Despite yesterday’s dominant win, don’t start making comparisons between Atlantic Jewel and the queen of racing Black Caviar just yet.
“I don’t want to touch that one,” Rodd said.
“I think Black Caviar would blow me away with the experience.
“You’re talking about probably a once in a lifetime horse.”
“(But) I think maybe in 12 months’ time my filly might give her something to run for,” he added.
Rodd also touched on the chances of Caulfield Cup favourite December Draw.
The jockey will give the five-year-old every chance as he attempts to tackle 2,400 metres for the first time.
“He gets out of the barriers really well so I don’t want to restrict him at what he’s good at,” Rodd said.
“The tempo of the race will dictate where we go.
“(But) he’s obviously going to land in the first half of the field.
“I’ll be looking to switch him off on Saturday and give him every chance to run the distance.”
Rodd admitted that race-goers may be surprised by what they see in the parade ring this Saturday.
“He’s a pretty average looking horse, he’s got a very short neck and he doesn’t carry a lot of condition but you can’t deny him that he’s racing really well,” he said.
