ATOMIC RED
AUSTRALIAN Pacing Gold purchase Atomic Red made a perfect return to racing at Tabcorp Park Menangle last night.
Not only did the son of Rocknroll Hanover score first-up from a six-month spell, he secured a berth in the Chariots Of Fire.
Australia’s premier four-year-old event, the Chariots Of Fire is scheduled to be conducted at Menangle on February 24 – Miracle Mile night.
Thrilled with the entire’s performance, trainer Steve Turnbull will base the balance of Atomic Red’s preparation around the Group One.
“I only gave him a couple of light trials going into last night and he did well,” Turnbull said. “He showed he will take another step up this time in.
“He will have an easy week now, then I will find a suitable race or two before the Chariots.
“The main thing was getting into the Chariots, and achieving that so early is fantastic as now I only have to concentrate on having him cherry ripe for that.”
With leading reinswoman Amanda Turnbull in the cart, Atomic Red proved too slick for his rivals, accounting for Gotta Go Ya Hu and Pay Me Sam in 1:50.3 over a mile.
“His main attribute has always been his toughness as he just keeps going, but he is getting more speed as he gets older,” Turnbull said.
“To run that sort of time when first-up from a long break was terrific and he will certainly be better next time around.”
The four-year-old extended his record to nine wins and six placings from 20 starts for earnings of $204,300.
