Trainer Mark Kavanagh says the weather is the key to the autumn program for Atlantic Jewel as he eyes off potential Sydney targets for the unbeaten Group One-winning filly..
Kavanagh is thrilled with how well the three-year-old has progressed after injury curtailed plans to run her in last year’s VRC Oaks, but says she is still at least a month away from resuming.
The winner of five races including the Group One Thousand Guineas, Atlantic Jewel is $6 favourite for the Doncaster Mile (1600m) at Randwick on April 21.
Kavanagh said the mystery injury which showed up on scintigraphy images around her hindquarters had meant an extended spell for Atlantic Jewel and reduced her autumn opportunities.
“Time is sort of against us,” Kavanagh told Radio Sport National.
“She will probably be ready in four or five weeks which makes it a little restrictive what we can run her in.
“If it stops raining you may see her in Sydney, but she’s certainly going as good as ever in the stable”
Atlantic Jewel hasn’t raced since she streaked away to a seven-length win in the Group Two Wakeful Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on October 29.
The daughter of Fastnet Rock was odds-on favourite for the VRC Oaks five days later but missed the Classic when the injury was discovered.
Kavanagh said Atlantic Jewel had come back stronger and that jockey Michael Rodd’s reports after each trackwork gallop were glowing.
“She’s never been better,” Kavanagh said.
“Each time Michael gets off her he thinks she is little stronger and little better than she was in the spring.
“You wouldn’t believe that could happen. Maybe he is getting excited but she is certainly going pretty well.”
Kavanagh said he was still in awe of Atlantic Jewel’s performances and he can’t wait to see her race again.
“Every time she went around she gobsmacked me by winning with such ease and the further we got out to a trip the longer and easier she won by, and then she would go home and eat her feed quicker and get better.”
And Mosheen, who finished second to Atlantic Jewel in the Thousand Guineas, has franked the form this campaign winning last Saturday’s Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington.
