Mark Kavanagh’s decision to split his stable stars this weekend has put jockey Michael Rodd in the box seat for a feature race double at Moonee Valley.
With Atlantic Jewel being kept to her own sex in the Group Two Stocks Stakes (1600m), it paves the way for Rodd to reunite with Australian Cup winner Super Cool in the Group Two Dato Tan Chin Nam Stakes (1600m).
Super Cool winning the Group 2 Autumn Stakes - Photo by Bruno Cannatelli
Atlantic Jewel is a $1.10 favourite to make it nine wins from nine starts, while Super Cool shades Fiorente for top billing in the Dato Tan Chin Nam Stakes.
Rodd is thrilled to be able to ride both horses on Saturday.
“It makes it very good for me. Obviously I get to get back on Super Cool and it’s a really nice race for him,” Rodd said.
“He’s won around the Valley before and he’s definitely come on since his first-up run so he’s going to take some beating.”
Super Cool was ridden by Glen Boss first-up when he finished third to Atlantic Jewel and Rodd in the Memsie Stakes.
Rodd regards Kavanagh’s decision to start Atlantic Jewel in the Stocks Stakes, rather than the tougher Dato Tan Chin Nam, as a sensible one given the Cox Plate favourite will be second-up after a 16-month injury-enforced layoff.
“With the mare, it’s just a nice easy option for her,” Rodd said.
“It’s probably good just to look after her a little bit. She’s still a bit off her grand final.
“If we can give her an easy run – obviously we want her to win – but if it’s not going to be too taxing then it’s a great option.”
Rodd has been on Atlantic Jewel’s back a couple of times since the Memsie and says the outstanding five-year-old has come through the race well.
“She’s always pretty impressive. There’s not much that’s really changed, other than her fitness,” he said.
