By Andrew Adermann
The Odyssey has become the first horse to win both QTIS Jewel features after a comfortable two-length win at the Gold Coast on Saturday.
The young colt controlled the race from start to finish, leading the entirety of the 1200 metre trip to take home the $300,000 TAB 3YO QTIS Jewel.
The win comes on the back of an almost carbon copy run in last year’s 2YO QTIS Jewel where James Orman jumped straight to the front from barrier one and led start to finish for a straightforward one-length win.
Saturday’s win takes the Kelly Schweida trained three-year-old’s record to 16 career starts for seven wins and four minor placings.
“We’re very proud of our horse, he’s a $30,000 (yearling) and now earned somewhere around $920,000 so I hope they put a four-year-old race on next year,” Schweida said.
“It played out perfect for us, and he makes his own luck.
“We wanted him to get out straight away and get out of trouble, and we drew the alley to be able to do that.
“We pressed the button early and he got there okay but the Hulbert horse (Oh Five Glory) came up and applied a bit of pressure.
“Steph (Thornton) just had to quicken up a length or two quicker than we wanted to but it still worked out alright and he gave a really good kick to finish off strongly.
“He’s pretty high up in the ratings now so we have to try pick on some of those set weight races and some of the spring races, in much the same way as his father, Better Than Ready.”
Thornton could not have been more ecstatic with the way the race played out, citing the inside draw as the perfect position for the frontrunner to take control from the outset.
“It panned out perfectly, we wanted to be able to lead if we could and with the scratchings that definitely helped us after Sugar Boom and Master Jamie came out,” Thornton said.
“From the get go, when he drew gate three I was pretty confident he would jump and land where he did, making his own luck – he’s obviously a horse with a lot of talent.”
The 21-year-old apprentice made it three wins from three rides aboard The Odyssey and although it may not be her call, she would love to keep the mount.
“He is a beautiful horse to ride, an absolute dream to be honest,” Thornton said.
“He does everything himself and he does everything right, he has no vices race day, he knows his job and he makes my job easy.
“I’d love to stick with the horse but I’m lucky to have had the opportunity I have had on him after getting three rides for three wins.
“I can certainly say he’s one of my favourites and I’d love to keep that going.”