JEWEL ON THE MOVE
LONG-TERM breeder Tony Thomas never celebrated a win with Jessica’s Hope in her one run at the Gold Coast seven years ago.
But he returned to witness her progeny The Odyssey win the $500,000 2YO Jewel at Aquis Park on Saturday in a special moment for the horseman from Westbrook, in the Darling Downs.
“It’s wonderful to see him do so well and for all the owners,” Thomas said.
Thomas sent the lightraced Sniztel mare Jessica’s Hope to good friend Richard Foster to breed with prominent stallion Better Than Ready at Lyndhurst Stud in Warwick and the foal sold to trainer Kelly Schweida for $30,000 at the 2018 Magic Millions Yearling Sales.
There are 49 Better Than Ready’s catalogued at the Magic Millions March Yearling Sales that start today.
“I pulled him out of his mother, reared him until the January sale last year and sold him to Kelly,” Thomas said.
Thomas said he rated The Odyssey a close third behind five-time Group 1 winner Boban and dual Group 1 winner Carnegie Express.
The rain had Schweida momentarily worried but The Odyssey was unstoppable in Saturday’s QTIS 2YO Jewel.
The $3.30 favourite was touted as the one to beat and didn’t disappoint.
The Odyssey led early and despite the heavy track, held off his rivals down the straight to claim the win.
It has taken the colt’s career prizemoney to $557,550, some of which is coming back Schweida’s way thanks to wife Vera, who owns a 10 per cent share in him.
“I was sort of worried when the rain came (but) it was a really good effort,” Schweida said.
“A lot of work goes into it, even right down to the float drivers not bringing it in too early before the races.
“It was a really good effort. (He is) a really good little horse and we are very excited.
“He is a two-year-old who has already won ($557,550) so God bless him.”
The meeting was abandoned following the conclusion of the main race.
The 3YO Jewel will be shifted to next Saturday’s Eagle Farm meeting, while the Goldmarket will be held on the same day at Gold Coast.