Atmospherical recorded an impressive win in a barrier trial at Royal Randwick yesterday and is on track to return to racing in the 2015 Rubiton Stakes at Caulfield on Caulfield on February 14.
Atmospherical was one of the most impressive performers at the barrier trials at Royal Randwick tomorrow. Photo by: Sarah Ebbett
Atmospherical contested the sixth barrier trial of the morning over 838 metres and she hit the line strongly to score a comfortable two and a half lengths victory from First Seal, Fontelina, Kirramosa, Thunder Lady and Fiveandahalfstar.
Trainer David Pfieffer was thrilled with the barrier trial performance of Atmospherical and he told Sky Racing HQ that the Northern Meteor mare is now ready to make the trip to Melbourne to start her autumn campaign.
“It was very impressive the way that she performed yesterday in a strong heat,” Pfieffer said.
“I know that it was only a barrier trial, but she has come along well for me and her two barrier trials this preparation have been good.
“It was good to see, she is a mare that seems to be coming of age and she is only still lightly-raced.
“I am quietly confident and we are getting ready to head to Melbourne.”
Atmospherical has previously recorded black type wins in both the Listed Denise’s Joy Stakes (1100m) at Scone on May 17 and the Listed Earl Grey Stakes (1000m) at Flemington on Crown Oaks Day, but will be making her debut at Group level in the Group 2 Rubiton Stakes (1100m).
Pfieffer revealed last month that he was considering giving Atmospherical an opportunity at Group 1 level in the Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield on February 28 and the Warwick Farm-based trainer said that the Group 1 sprint was still on the agenda for his star mare.
“She races in the 14th at Caulfield in the Rubiton and I’m hoping we get the right performance there and we are looking to the Oakleigh Plate two weeks later,” Pfieffer said.
“She has recovered well from her trial, she is very forward and it is just the final touches now to get her ready for her first-up run.
“It will either be Hugh Bowman or Craig Williams (to ride Atmospherical in the Rubiton Stakes).”
Atmospherical was passed in for just $36,000 at the 2012 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale, but she has recorded six wins from her ten race starts, including two black type wins, and accumulated over $300,000 in prizemoney for connections.
