Atomic wins the $100,000 Listed Chairman’s Stakes at Sandown
Jumping from out wide in barrier nine, Commands colt Atomic did all the work in Race 5 at Sandown today, the previously unraced juvenile scoring an impressive win in the sprint feature.
Atomic started the favourite in the markets paying around $2.80 for the win at Luxbet.
It was a much shorter quote than their opening $11 odds when the Chairman’s Stakes markets were first out last Saturday before the Caulfield meet was abandoned.
Still, favourite backers enjoyed success today.
After taking the early lead, roughie of the field Vatican set the pace and sat on speed all the way.
Over the final few hundred meters jockey Ben Melham moved Atomic up in a quick sprint on the outside to challenge the leader.
In a strong burst Atomic pushed ed and was able to beat Vatican ($51) by a little less than a length.
It was still an excellent run by the second placegetter, Vatican looking slightly green but able to hold on.
In a photo finish for third, two-time winner and second favourite today Hollyweird finished off the Trifecta while the Peter Moody-trained Metonmy came fourth.
There is no doubt Atomic has a big future ahead this season and then going on as a three-year-old next year.
While the $1 million Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield on February 26 is an unlikely assignment for Atomic, connections have named the 2011 Golden Slipper as the main aim.
Freedman stated Atomic may be given a short break now before heading to Sydney for the $3.5million Golden Slipper Stakes, the richest two-year-olds race in the world, at Rosehill on April 2.
Prize money won in the Chairman’s Stakes today will push Atomic well up the Golden Slipper order of entry.
Prior to today’s race Atomic was a $26 chance in the Golden Slipper odds at Luxbet.
Markets have been briefly suspended with the price on Atomic sure to shorten.
Stay tuned to Races.com.au for more updates.
2011 Chairman’s Stakes Results & Finishing Order
| Finish | No. | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 5 | ATOMIC(9) | Ben Melham | Lee Freedman | 55.5 | 56.72 |
| 2nd | 3 | VATICAN(4) | Michael Walker | Byron Cozamanis | 55.5 | 0.4L |
| 3rd | 9 | HOLLYWEIRD(7) | Damien Oliver | Gerald Ryan | 54.5 | 1.2L |
| 4th | 11 | METONYMY(2) | Glen Boss | Peter G Moody | 53.5 | 1.4L |
| 5th | 2 | COVERED IN CLASS(5) | Luke Nolen | Peter G Moody | 55.5 | 2.1L |
| 6th | 12 | AND ROCK(8) | Chris Symons | John McArdle | 53.5 | 2.5L |
| 7th | 8 | GONE SKIING(6) | Jake Noonan | Rick Hore-Lacy | 55.5 | 4.3L |
| 8th | 4 | HELL’S KITCHEN(10) | Mark Zahra | Mark Young | 55.5 | 5.3L |
| 9th | 6 | CAPE CANAVERAL(3) | Dwayne Dunn | Danny O’Brien | 55.5 | 5.7L |
| 10th | 1 | DINNER DATE(1) | Craig Williams | David Hayes | 55.5 | 6.9L |
| Src | 7 | EXECUTIVE STAR | Danny Nikolic | Ken Keys | ||
| Src | 10 | HELPING HAND | Craig Newitt | John P Thompson |
Photo courtesy (c) Taron Clarke Photography
