Atlantic Jewel laid down the gauntlet to Australia’s weight-for-age stars with a history-making victory in the G1 All Aged Stakes at Randwick on Saturday.

The Mark Kavanagh trained star became the first filly since Valicare in 1926 to win the time-honoured All-Aged Stakes.  “It was her first test at weight-for-age and first test against the boys but she knows how to win,” Kavanagh explained.  “She will go the paddock now and we’re looking ahead to the spring.”

Atlantic Jewel (3f Fastnet Rock – Regard by Zabeel) was purchased by leading international bloodstock agent Demi O’Byrne for $320,000 at the 2010 Gold Coast Magic Millions.

O’Byrne retained a share in the star filly and he races her in partnership with Susan Magnier’s Coolmore Syndicate, Michael Kirwan, Mathilde Texier, Laurie Macri and MV Magnier.

By champion sire-elect Fastnet Rock from the Zabeel mare Regard, Atlantic Jewel was bred by Greg Perry and sold through the draft of Vinery Stud at the Gold Coast.  The unbeaten filly has earned over $920,000 and that figure looks set to sky-rocket during the spring carnival with the G1 Cox Plate an obvious goal.

While the winning margin in the All-Aged wasn’t as great as many has expected, the performance was outstanding and her connections were rightly delighted with the win.  “I tried not to let Rain Affair get too far ahead of me,” Michael Rodd said.  “But I also wanted to keep something in reserve.

“It was a massive effort to win.  Rain Affair got a few cheap sectionals and, without King Mufhasa, there was nothing to take her into the race.  It was her toughest test and she came through with flying colours.”