Coolmore Stud had a hoof in both camps when It’s a Dundeel (High Chaparral) and Atlantic Jewel (Fastnet Rock) settled down to a thrilling duel in the G1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield on Saturday.

Both horses are by Coolmore stallions and the It’s a Dundeel edged out the previously unbeaten mare who also carries Coolmore’s navy blue colours.

It’s a Dundeel (NZ) has firmed into a $3.70 second favourite for the G1 Cox Plate.  Atlantic Jewel lost no friends despite losing her spotless record and is still a $3 public-elect for the Moonee Valley Grand Final on October 26

“He’s probably the best horse I’ve ever had but I didn’t think we could beat Atlantic Jewel at 1800 metres,” trainer Murray Baker said.  “It was a special race, they are both very good horses.”

It’s a Dundeel was named NSW Horse of the Year after G1 victories in the Spring Champion Stakes, Randwick Guineas, Rosehill Guineas and Australian Derby in 2012-13.  “He’s a different horse this preparation,” winning jockey James McDonald said.  “I put it to Atlantic Jewel 400 metres from home to make it a real test.

“Full credit to both horses.  It was a dog-fight in the straight and they battled it out really well.”

It’s a Dundeel wasn’t offered at auction and  is one of five winners from Stareel who is a daughter of G1 New Zealand Oaks winner Staring.

Coolmore shuttled High Chaparral to Windsor Park in NZ before re-routing him to the Hunter Valley in 2010.  He sired Vaquera (NZ) to win the G3 Tibbie Stakes at Newcastle on Thursday and his promising four year-old Photon Willie captured the opening event at Randwick on Saturday.