Australia will not be represented at the Hong Kong International meeting in December after Atomic Force failed to gain an invitation to run in the Sprint.
The winner of the Group One Galaxy is managed by Dean Watt’s Dynamic Syndications which confirmed the snub on Wednesday.
In a statement on its website, Dynamic Syndications said it was “mystified” by the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s decision not to invite Atomic Force, who was fully qualified.
“To miss out at the 11th hour on an invitation under these circumstances is disappointing,” the statement said.
“We have always been aware and understood that the process of selection is with the HKJC committee regarding whom they invite and whom they leave out.
“But to be without a qualified runner from the southern hemisphere, especially when the Australian sprinters are world class and the results of previous international sprints statistically speak for themselves, is at best puzzling.”
Despite the Hong Kong rejection, Atomic Force will still get the chance to compete overseas.
The Darren Smith-trained gelding will be aimed at the Group One Railway Stakes at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day.
Atomic Force will have a lead up run at Canterbury on Saturday in the Hylands Kids Colours For Christmas Handicap (1100m).
AAP TURF