The Cox Plate is off the agenda for emerging superstar Atlantic Jewel but the VRC Oaks is a definite goal this spring.
The filly was promoted in Cox Plate betting after her devastating Thousand Guineas win on Wednesday even though trainer Mark Kavanagh dismissed the race as a target.
However, after talks with owners Coolmore the Oaks is definitely on the filly’s agenda.
She will make her next appearance in the traditional Oaks lead-up, the Group Two Wakeful Stakes (2000m) on October 29.
Coolmore’s Australian racing manager Tom Magnier said the decision to race on this spring was made by Kavanagh.
“Mark wants to go to the Wakeful and then the Oaks,” Magnier told Sydney’s Sky Sports Radio.
“He’s happy with the way she’s pulled up and he’s happy to keep going down that track.
“Mark wasn’t very keen to go to the Cox Plate and he’s the man who knows the horse better than anyone.
“We always leave it up to the trainer and that’s what he wants to do.”
Magnier said Atlantic Jewel’s stout breeding on her dam’s side was an indication she would be able to cope with the 2500 metres of the Oaks on November 3 even though she is by Group One-winning sprinter Fastnet Rock.
“She’s out of a Zabeel mare so that indicates she could go to the distances,” he said.
“Looking at her on type, in time that’s what she’ll be able to do.
“Mark is the man who knows and he thinks she’ll be able to do it and that’s good enough for me.”
Atlantic Jewel is unbeaten after four starts and showed a devastating turn of foot to cruise to victory in the Group One Thousand Guineas (1600m).
The notable omission from that race was runaway Flight Stakes winner Streama who was sent to the spelling paddock after her Group One win, but the pair could meet in the autumn.
AAP TURF
