Schweida proves master Jewel tactician

Stephanie Thornton has landed her biggest win since moving to Queensland, scoring on The Odyssey.

Trainer Kelly Schweida again proved a master tactician as he guided The Odyssey to a win in the $300,000 The Jewel 3YO at the Gold Coast.

The Odyssey ($4) gave apprentice Stephanie Thornton her biggest win since moving to Queensland with an all-the-way victory.

The gelding won the two-year-old version of The Jewel last year and Saturday’s win lifted his prize money to $930,000.

He is another example of Schweida’s ability to find a bargain as The Odyssey cost only $30,000.

“My wife Vera is a part-owner and I hope the sling is pretty big,” Schweida said.

Schweida deserves plenty of kudos for the win as he planned it carefully after the gelding ran midfield in a Magic Millions race in January.

“When he won the two-year-old Jewel last year he had run in the Magic Millions earlier in the year. We gave him a similar break and then one run which he won,” Schweida said.

“I decided to use similar tactics this time.”

Schweida said when the other likely leader Master Jamie was scratched he decided to make Saturday’s race a genuine speed test.

“He pinged the lids and was worked a little but then he was off on gone,” Schweida said.

“Stephanie (Thornton) has done a great job with him and that is three rides for three wins for him for her.”

The Odyssey is now headed to the winter carnival and the major sprints.

Thornton said The Odyssey was a genuine sprinter who was always going to be hard to beat when he leads.

Trainer Chris Munce was excited about the run of Stampe ($41) who finished second.

“He chased the whole way and did great,” Munce said.

Co trainer Will Hulbert was also happy with Oh Five Glory ($26) who ran third after being second most of the way.

The favourite Gem Of Scotland ($2.40) pulled up near the line and finished last after appearing to be lame.