Atomic Force has had one of the longest campaigns of any horse going to the Brisbane Winter Carnival and should really be starting to taper off.

With his recent results though the horse appears to only be getting better and for connections it’s a case of how long can he keep it up?

In fact his last start was his best run of the entire campaign when he claimed his first Group 1 victory in The Galaxy and all reports are that he’s pulled up extremely well.

His trainer Darren Smith has had him working since November and with each race knows the spelling paddock should be getting closer.

While he’s winning though there’s no reason to change anything, even if it does defy what’s in the training manual.

“I know he’s had a long campaign but he’s come through his Galaxy win in great order,” Smith said.

“He worked nice and strong at Newcastle.”

Atomic Force will have his first run north of the border at Eagle Farm this Saturday in the Group 2 Victory Stakes.

Highly successful jockey Tim Clark has parted ways with the gelding and Glen Colless has been selected to take up the reins and deal with the ever mounting pressure and expectation.

Chris Munce was also approached for the ride but obviously doesn’t see as much upside to Atomic Force as he does with Zero Rock, a horse with which he’s had a long association.

For Smith though it’s impossible to map out an exact Brisbane Carnival path knowing to well the horse could signal he’s had enough at any time.

One thing he is adamant about though is that he won’t be hanging around long enough to run in either the Doomben 10,000 or the Stradbroke Handicap.

“I’m not sure where he’s headed and I want to see how he goes on Saturday first,” Smith said.

“The Stradbroke though is definitely out.

“He’s been to the Gold Coast in January for the Magic Millions Sprint so I’m just going to take things race by race with him.”

Atomic Force is however nominated for a clash with the world’s best racehorse Black Caviar in the BTC Cup.

In an Australia wide mission to bring down the undefeated mare, Atomic Force could be an outside hope having won twice over the distance, especially if there’s a big field with plenty of rain.

His win in The Galaxy brought his record to three from six on heavy tracks and he accounted for the Group 1 field with ease.

It was the first top level victory for Smith who has been training for nearly two decades and trumps his two previous place finishes at Group 1 level.