Atomic Force After Hong Kong Invite
- Sunday, 06 November 2011 04:00
Group One winner Atomic Force remains in training in the hope he can secure a Hong Kong Sprint invitation.
"We've thrown in a nomination and he's had two inoculations so now it's a matter of waiting," Dynamic Syndications' Adam Watt told AAP.
"Obviously it would be a massive honour for us and the owners if the horse did get an invite."
Leading jockey Nash Rawiller has already been booked for the Hong Kong ride if an invitation arrives this month.
Trainer Darren Smith said Atomic Force would be spelled if the Galaxy winner missed out on a start.
"If the trip is a no-go then it's straight to the paddock for him," Smith said.
"But if we get an invite then I'm keen to go ... it would be a great experience.
"The horse is ticking over really well and he's come through his last run without any problems."
Atomic Force returned from a successful Melbourne spring campaign to finish a close fourth under 61kg at Rosehill.
Watt said Atomic Force's Galaxy win over a field which included Ortensia, a runner in last year's Hong Kong race, had convinced connections to nominate for next month's International meeting.
"If you run a (form) line through Ortensia who he beat home in the Galaxy then he wouldn't be out of his place," Watt said.
"Besides he's an on-pace horse and Sha Tin suits that style of racing."
Queensland Derby winner Shootoff is also in contention for a trip to Hong Kong.
The four-year-old did no harm to his chances of receiving an invitation with his performance at Flemington on Saturday.
Facing the breeze for the entire journey, Shootoff fought hard to finish second to Ironstein in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club will stage four International races on December 11 with invitations issued on November 23.
