KINGSTON, Jamaica - ATOMICA, stepping out of her age group for the first time to take on seasoned older rivals, easily brushed aside Open Allowance company to impressively land the $1.29-million I’msatisfied Trophy over six furlongs (1,200m) on Saturday, October 1, 2022, at Caymanas Park.
The win by the Gary Subratie trainee cemented her status as not only one of the best three-year-olds but also one of the best male or female runners currently in training.
Ridden by Dane Dawkins, Atomica (Nuclear Wayne – Honkeytonkville) won by 7½ lengths while clocking a blistering Stakes record time of 1:10.4. The track record still stands at 1:09.3, done by the mighty Eros in 1993. This was Atomica’s first effort since winning the 12-furlong Jamaica Derby on August 6, 2022.
THE RACE
Curlin’s Affair (Christopher Mamdeen), Atomica, and She’s My Destiny (Omar Walker) vied for the early lead. While under a relaxed hold, Atomica emerged as the lone leader going into the half-mile turn ahead of She’s My Destiny and Curlin’s Affair backing out of the pace. Atomica was tested by She’s My Destiny approaching the distance. but the fleet-footed runner found another gear and sprinted clear in deep stretch to register her seventh career win from eight starts. She’s My Destiny held on well for second place, a length and three-quarters ahead of Dejae’s Boy (Nicolas Hibbert) in third place. The scorching splits were 22.2 x 45.3.
TRAINER’S COMMENT
“I have never trained a horse like her [Atomica]. Thank God for the privilege of training a horse like this! She is a unique and a very special horse and she does everything you want. I was just a little worried about the number two draw as there was a lot more speed than her, but she showed some speed out of the gates and that was the reason why we got her warmed up before the race. She came out good out of the gates. She likes to be pressured a little to get on the bit and once she gets on the bit and starts to lean on that bit, you are in trouble. I am very pleased with the time of the race as well. We are going into the Gold Cup next at the end of the month and so I will try and keep her healthy and sound for that prestigious event.”
THE POSITIVE
Atomica has thus far demonstrated all the necessary elements required for her to succeed in her racing career. She can go with the early pace as seen in most of her races, especially in the I’msatisfied, as well staying close and striking when ready. Atomica is made from special cloth having won from five furlongs round to 12 furlongs, a task only the very best can achieve. If she stays fit, healthy, and sound, Atomica is going to move on to even greater accomplishments. She has the world in her hoofs.