Odds-on favourite Atlantic Jewel lived up to the hype when she produced a breathtaking performance to win the Group One Thousand Guineas at Caulfield.
Trainer Mark Kavanagh was almost lost for words after she toyed with her rivals to claim Wednesday’s 1600m feature, but wouldn’t be drawn into pitting her against the country’s best in the Cox Plate.
“No. She’s a good filly and we don’t want to gut her,” Kavanagh said.
Ridden patiently by Michael Rodd, Atlantic Jewel was third-last early with Cute Emily setting a strong tempo in the lead.
Rodd allowed her to stride forward coming to the 600m and she was poised on the back of the leaders at the turn before unleashing a devastating turn of foot to sprint clear of Mosheen with Sharnee Rose third.
“These don’t come along very often,” Kavanagh said.
“She can do things I haven’t seen horses do before.”
Rodd was also lavish in his praise, declaring: “She’s freakish.”
AAP TURF
