Pfieffer Confident Atmospherical Can Extend Unbeaten Streak

Trainer David Pfieffer is confident that Atmospherical can extend her unbeaten streak when she contests the ATC Membership On Sale Now Handicap (1200m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

Atmospherical could be set for major races during the 2014 Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival.

Atmospherical could be set for major races during the 2014 Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival. Photo by: Steve Hart

Atmospherical made her racing debut with a comfortable victory in the Sleigh Bells Plate (1000m) at Kembla Grange on December 21 and made it two wins from as many starts in the Graeme Symo Handicap (1100m) at Royal Randwick on New Year’s Day.

The Northern Meteor filly will face a tough field in the ATC Membership On Sale Now Handicap this weekend, but Pfieffer is confident that the classy three-year-old has the ability to make it three wins in a row.

“Her two runs have been very dominant,” Pfieffer said.

“She is still racing like a horse that has more improvement and is still learning what to do.

“Her last run was very solid and she beat a couple of horses that have proven themselves.

“Tomorrow will be a good test for her, with a couple of smart horses in there, but she is a progressive type, a nice big strong filly and she has worked well in between runs.

“I think that the step up to 1200 metres is a positive for her as well because I think down the track she will be looking for seven or even eight furlongs.

“I expect a very forward showing and I hope that we can make it three-in-a-row.”

Pfieffer is confident that Atmospherical has the ability to compete at the highest level of racing, but is yet to decide what races he wants to target with the classy filly.

The 2014 Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival might come around a bit too soon for the lightly-raced three-year-old and Pfieffer is considering setting her for some major races during the 2014 Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival.

“After tomorrow I am probably leaning towards giving her a break,” Pfieffer said.

“I will probably look at something at the back end of the autumn and maybe even a look at the Brisbane Winter Carnival.”

Atmospherical ($2.30) has been one of the best-backed runners on the entire Royal Randwick card tomorrow and is currently a clear favourite in 2014 ATC Membership On Sale Now Handicap betting markets from Gai Waterhouse-trained Woodbine ($3.50) and the resuming Ike’s Legacy ($6).

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Thomas Hackett

Thomas is a passionate and opinionated racing journalist and punter who has been obsessed with horse racing since he backed Saintly to win the 1996 Melbourne Cup. An international racing enthusiast, he has his finger on the pulse of racing news not just from Australia but all around the world.