Group One Quinella for Fastnet

Two star fillies by leading sire Fastnet Rock dominated the Group I MRC Thousand Guineas at Caulfield on Wednesday with unbeaten Atlantic Jewel (3f Fastnet Rock x Regard, by Zabeel) trouncing Mosheen (3f Fastnet Rock Sumehra, by Stravinsky) to win the 1600 metre classic by three lengths. The Mark Kavanagh trained Atlantic Jewel is still in her first preparation and won the Group I feature at her fourth race start and her first attempt at stakes company. Ridden beautifully by Michael Rodd, she settled well and loomed into contention on the home turn before hitting top gear and bolting clear in a thoroughly dominant display. “She’s very good,” Kavanagh said eventually, after being left speechless in the moments after the win. “They don’t come along like her very often. She does things I haven’t seen a horse do before.” Winning rider Michael Rodd said the filly is clearly one of the most exciting gallopers in the country. "She is freakish," Rodd said. "Obviously I've got to take my hat off to Kav and the stable. They just get them to peak at the right time. "She came out of the barriers really well and I just let a few of them go from the outside. "I just wanted to make sure no matter where I was, I was one-off (the fence). The pace was on, it was very solid and I just waited until we got around the back there at the half mile, I just wanted to put her into contention. "If she was ridden properly and ridden a patient race you'd probably see the best of her but she is just that good you don't want to risk anything with her and you can ride her nice and arrogantly." A $320,000 purchase for Demi O’Byrne from the Vinery Stud draft at the 2010 Magic Millions Yearling Sale, Atlantic Jewel runs in the Coolmore colours for a syndicate of owners and has won all four starts to date earning $394,225. Bred by Greg Perry and foaled down at Vinery, Atlantic Jewel is the first living foal of the well bred Zabeel mare Regard, a grand-daughter of Group I Cheveley Park Stakes winner Pass the Peace. Regard was purchased for Perry by bloodstock agent Steve Brem for $340,000 at the 2008 MM National Broodmare Sale, but sadly had only one more foal following Atlantic Jewel before her premature death earlier this year. Atlantic Jewel is the second winner of the Thousand Guineas for leading Coolmore sire Fastnet Rock, whose classy daughter Irish Lights won the race in 2009 also carrying the Coolmore colours. Atlantic Jewel becomes the 21st stakes-winner for Fastnet Rock and is his fifth Group I winner joining Lone Rock, Irish Lights, Wanted and Rock Classic.