Atomic victory

THE build up to the Group One Cranbourne Pacing Cup on Saturday 10 December has begun in earnest – and it was Kiwi import Atomic Horizon who stole the show last Thursday night with an impressive win.
The short-priced favourite was taken straight to the front by driver Jodi Quinlan but any thoughts of an easy night at the office disappeared as the gelding appeared to be under pressure with a lap to go.
Trainer Michael Hughes only recently sourced the son of Bettors Delight for the Curran Family Racing Group and is still learning about his new acquisition’s racing style.
“I only realised after the race that he hadn’t led in a race before.” Hughes said.
“He’s obviously inclined to be a bit lazy in front and Jodi had to keep his mind on the job for much of the race. I liked the way he found the line though and I think we can have some real fun with him.”
Hughes was impressed by a number of Atomic Horizon’s runs in New Zealand and wasn’t disappointed when the Kiwi hit the training track.
“I’ve been gradually getting to know the horse since he arrived and his work leading into the race was super. We were very confident he’d acquit himself well first-up.”
The Curran family has also enjoyed recent success with Hourora Delight, another Kiwi import who Hughes purchased on the group’s behalf earlier this year.
Meanwhile the Cranbourne Club is busy preparing for its Cranbourne Pacing Cup meeting on Saturday night 10 December. As CEO David Scott noted: “We believe that Im Themightyquinn will be returning to defend his crown and given the Group One status of the race, I’m sure we’ll end up with a super field of challengers.”
Group hospitality packages are still available and can be booked by calling the club on 5996 8677.