Written by Trent Masenhelder
Cover image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
The Chris Waller-trained Atlantic Ocean (I Am Invincible) – a half-brother to G1 Champagne S. hero The Mission – is no longer a maiden, after the colt broke through at Warwick Farm on Monday.
Bred by Formosa Bloodstock, Atlantic Ocean was purchased by Tom Magnier for $525,000 from the Element Hill draft at last year’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. He races for Coolmore and partners, including Formosa Bloodstock, Rob McClure, Sir Peter Vela, Woppitt Bloodstock and Peachester Lodge.
Atlantic Ocean showed ability as a juvenile, finishing third in a 2-year-old H. at his third start, before beings sent for a spell. He resumed following two trials and was sent out a $4.40 equal favourite.
Under jockey Tommy Berry, Atlantic Ocean ambled up to the leaders approaching the turn and let down to record a comfortable victory, stopping the clock at 1:24.58 (on a Soft 6), with his last 600 metres run in 34.75s.
Charlie Spicer-Jenkins – racing manager for Coolmore Australia – told TDN AusNZ connections have always had a good opinion of the colt.
“He was slightly unlucky as a 2-year-old, so it’s good to get his maiden out of the way,” Spicer-Jenkins said.
Charlie Spicer-Jenkins | Image courtesy of Coolmore
“He did that in nice fashion and showed a very good turn of foot late.
“As a 3-year-old, he looks stronger and looks like a horse that will keep improving through the season.
“I suppose now, it’s a process of going through the races and seeing if we can find him a nice race later on in the summer or autumn.
“He’ll probably be even better next preparation. He’s one to watch going forward.”
“He’ll (Atlantic Ocean) probably be even better next preparation. He’s one to watch going forward.” - Charlie Spicer-Jenkins
From the winning Redoute’s Choice mare My Amelia, Atlantic Ocean is also a half-brother to multiple Group 3 placegetter Smart Amelia (Smart Missile). Atlantic Ocean’s second dam is Carry On Cutie (More Than Ready {USA}), who won the G1 Champagne S. in 2005.
“He was a very nice yearling, a very striking individual that caught the eye,” Spicer-Jenkins added.
Atlantic Ocean relished the 1400 metres, scoring by 1.4l, with Long Tycoon (Written Tycoon) second, just ahead of Lady Ashley (Sebring).
Atlantic Ocean as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
Meanwhile, last year’s Danehill S. winner, Kallos (Medaglia D’Oro {USA}) returned to the winner’s list, taking out Race 3 under Sam Clipperton.
The James Cummings-trained 4-year-old had been winless in four starts following his Danehill success.
“He’s a horse with an abundance of class and quality,” Clipperton told Sky Racing.
“He won the Danehill last year, then probably lost his way a little bit in the last nine or 10 months.
Kallos winning at Warwick Farm | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
“He’s done it nicely and I’m sure that will give him a bit of confidence.”
Kallos is out of the stakes-winning mare Calliope (Exceed And Excel) and a relation to Group 3 winner Zethus (Exceed And Excel) and Group 1 heroine Bulla Borghese (Belong To Me {USA}).
