We were thrilled to see Sir Atlas, another of our exciting European imports, score a soft victory on debut today at Warrnambool.
It’s well documented, we have thrown our hat in the ring in search of a Melbourne Cup winner, and unlike many who opt for the tried horse, we have focused on buying young unraced prospects.
We bring them over and give them as much time as they need to acclimatise to Australia and there isn’t a more patient trainer than Lindsey Smith to educate them. It also helps to have patient owners!
We have imported some excellent European prospects such as Sabar who could not have been more impressive winning his Maiden last week and also look out for Captain Britain by Camelot who is an exciting horse in the making; you will see what he’s all about next prep.
One of the many yearlings we have recently purchased from the UK Tattersal’s sale, Sir Atlas is a beautifully bred son of Epsom Derby winner, Sir Percy out of an excellent producing Shamardal mare. He is a magnificent type with an immense amount of upside.
Watching Sir Atlas get the job done today was very pleasing, especially to see him shoulder into the clear and put the foot on the gas when he needed to. He was pretty arrogant the way he disposed of his rivals in what was pretty much a jumpout with race pressure. For a horse who will eat up more ground like him in the future havng the turn of foot is a great weapon to have in his armoury cupboard.
Special mention must go to young gun, Beau Mertens for a perfect ride. It was a combination of education and aggression which he balanced perfectly for Sir Atlas.
Many will know Beau’s father Peter, a champion jockey and person is fighting bravely to beat cancer. Hopefully watching his young man riding in the vein of form he’s in will be a welcome tonic.
Incidentally, Brad Spicer’s dad, Graham Spicer and Peter Mertens had many successes together as owner / jockey. Now it’s great to see the next generation combining!
Congratulations to owners Epic Racing, Mr D Boxshall, Mr K J Matthews, Mrs M L O’Donnell, Mr L O’donnell, Mr A Van, Mr E P Clarke, Mrs R L Clarke, Mr A G Hartnell, Dr N J Hartnell, Mrs K Fox, Te Amo Mater, Mr M J Hayne, Mr S Willoughby, Mr R D Partington
