A sparkling track gallop from Group One The Galaxy winner Atomic Force has boosted trainer Darren Smith’s confidence the five-year-old can continue his great form in Queensland during the winter carnival.
Atomic Force has been in work since November last year and Smith is fully aware the son of Danehill Dancer could be ready for the spelling paddock at any time.
However, Atomic Force has shown no signs his form might be tapering off after giving Smith his first Group One success in The Galaxy (1100m) at Randwick on April 16.
“I know he’s had a long campaign but he’s come through his Galaxy win in great order,” Smith said.
“He worked nice and strong at Newcastle this morning and he’ll leave here for Brisbane either tomorrow or Thursday.”
Smith will kick off Atomic Force’s winter campaign in the Group Two Victory Stakes (1200m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
Tim Clark has been Atomic Force’s regular rider in Sydney including his Galaxy victory but Glen Colless has been engaged for Saturday.
Chris Munce rejected an offer to partner Atomic Force in the Victory Stakes to continue his association with the Kelso Wood-trained Zero Rock.
Smith is unsure of Atomic Force’s winter program but is emphatic the eight-time winner won’t contest the major Group One sprints, the Doomben 10,000 in May and the $1 million Stradbroke Handicap at Eagle Farm in June.
However, he would not rule out lining up against champion Black Caviar in next month’s Group One BTC Cup (1200m) at Doomben.
“I’m not sure where he’s headed and I want to see how he goes on Saturday first,” Smith said.
“The Stradbroke though is definitely out.
“He’s been to the Gold Coast in January for the Magic Millions Sprint so I’m just going to take things race by race with him.”
Atomic Force has only won twice over 1200 metres and would no doubt prefer to meet Black Caviar on a heavy track if the pair clash in the BTC Cup.
Atomic Force’s win in the Galaxy was his third victory from six starts on a heavy track.
Smith has been training for 18 years and had twice had runners placed at the elite level before Atomic Force accomplished his lifelong dream with his Galaxy triumph.
Only 10 entries have been received for the the weight-for-age sprint which has already had one dropout with trainer Paul Messara ruling out a start for Alverta.
AAP TURF
