Raheen Stud’s Nolan family experienced an afternoon of highs and lows in the Randwick rain on Saturday.
New signing Captain Sonador bogged down in the G1 Doncaster Mile but the Heavy 10 helped Atomic Force win the G1 The Galaxy.
Raheen sold Atomic Force for $50,000 at the 2007 Gold Coast Magic Millions yearling sale and his bank balance now tops $564,000.
Atomic Force (5g Danehill Dancer – Show Of Force by Luskin Star) cost $50,000 from the Raheen consignment at the 2007 Gold Coast Magic Millions yearling sale and his bank balance now tops $564,000.
He is the first Group 1 winner for Newcastle trainer Darren Smith. “When it started raining I couldn’t believe it!” Smith said. “The horse had been going terrific and looked ideally placed on the limit with a good draw.”
An 1100 metre specialist, he has won three of his last four starts over that trip including the LR Maurice McCarten Stakes at Rosehill on March 19.
Atomic Force had been quoted as high as $51 with the corporates but firmed into $10 when the heavens opened. He began well and in-form jockey Tim Clark had him up near the speed and ready to strike.
The Queensland bred gelding booted clear in the straight and had almost three lengths to spare at the finish from Thankgodyou’rehere (Secret Savings) and Cardinal Virtue (Elusive Quality). “We had the race won 600 metres from home,” Clark revealed. “I couldn’t have been more confident in the run…he was just jogging.”
The Galaxy gave Coolmore shuttler Danehill Dancer a Group 1 double at Randwick after his son Choisir sired Doncaster Mile winner Sacred Choice.
Atomic Force’s dam Show Of Force was placed in the G1 AJC Sires’ Produce, G2 Magic Night and G3 Sweet Embrace Stakes in 1995 Second dam Reinforce (Bates Motel) is a half-sister to five-time G1 winner Encounter.
Show Of Force has a 2yo colt by deceased Raheen Stud sire Shovhog and she foaled a Hidden Dragon filly last year.