Rodd hopes Jewel erases distance queries

Wednesday 9 October 2013, 11:49am

Michael Rodd is hoping Cox Plate favourite Atlantic Jewel can make a statement on Saturday but concedes the Caulfield Stakes distance query is there.

Atlantic Jewel is an odds-on favourite to bounce back to the winner's circle in the Caulfield Stakes (2000m) after being narrowly beaten for the first time in her career by It's A Dundeel last start over 1800m.

The outstanding mare is almost certain to keep her place at the head of Cox Plate betting if she accounts for her five rivals on Saturday.

Rodd can't fault her work or appearance but hopes she proves the 2000m is no issue.

"There's going to be a lot of doubters but we're out there doing our best and hopefully she can run it out strongly," Rodd said.

"We know she's got the best turn of foot but we also know that 2000 metres might not be her best distance.

"There's a lot of question marks still there, so hopefully she has her chance."

Rodd believes the presence of noted leader Spacecraft will benefit Atlantic Jewel who was forced to take up the running in the Underwood Stakes last start.

The jockey said his job would be to try to get Atlantic Jewel some cover to allow her to run out the distance strongly.

"Expectations for Saturday, hopefully we just go out and win," Rodd said.

"That would be nice. But who knows, everyone thought that would have been the case in the Underwood and we just went down to a very good horse.

"Obviously there's no It's A Dundeel on Saturday but still, there's horses that are getting up to their strong distance and it's a question mark with her.

"We want to see her run well because the Cox Plate is two weeks later."

Atlantic Jewel was at $1.22 with TAB fixed odds on Wednesday while her stablemate Super Cool was the only other runner under double figure odds at $7.

Makybe Diva Stakes winner Foreteller is at $10 ahead of Green Moon at $12.

Spacecraft and import Massiyn round out the field.

Atlantic Jewel is the $2.80 favourite for the Cox Plate ahead of It's A Dundeel who is at $4.40 and will have to go into the weight-for-age championship with five weeks between runs.

– AAP

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