Jockey Michael Rodd believes Atlantic Jewel is the best horse he has ridden

Anyone with doubts about the quality of Atlantic Jewel just needs to listen to star hoop Michael Rodd to have them quashed.

The three-year-old filly by Fastnet Rock and Regard is going on display come Saturday in the $300,000 Group 2 Wakeful Stakes (2000m) at Flemington prior to Thursday week’s $1m Group 1 Crown Oaks (2500m) at Flemington.

“She is the best horse I have ridden and potentially the best I’ll ever ride,” Rodd said.

“Definitely has other top three-year olds I’ve ridden Efficient and Whobegotyou covered.”

Rodd sounded off one cautionary warning about the star filly at her upcoming assignments when he said.

“I would have preferred if she went to the paddock now but Coolmore (owners) insisted we push on.” Rodd said.

Atlantic Jewel is a winner of all four starts in easy fashion including her latest start in the $502,000 Group 1 1000 Guineas at Caulfield (1600m).

The Mark Kavanagh trained filly, like her opposition going into the Wakeful and Oaks, will be stepping up to the middle and staying distances for the first time.

While Atlantic Jewel is by a sprinting sire, she has a staying pedigree on her dam’s side being by the defunct Regard.

That broodmare was by Zabeel and Regard’s dam Nanshan (IRE) was by Epsom Derby winner Nashwan.

Coolmore’s Australian head Michael Kirwan said Atlantic Jewel was in good condition going into the her big Flemington programme.

He also put an end to rumours that Atlantic Jewel would be sent to Ireland after the spring carnival.

“That is news to me,” Kirwan said.

“The filly is trained by Mark Kavanagh and will always be trained by Mark Kavanagh.”