Perhaps it was returning to his home track at the Hippodrome 3R, perhaps it was drawing an inside post on a half-mile track, perhaps it was competing against an easier field of competition, but any way it does not matter to Atomic Million AM as long as he got that goose-egg off the win column.
Entering the 10th race at 3R Sunday on a five-race losing streak to start his 2016 campaign, owner/trainer Alain Martin of Gatineau, Que. was worried that his champion pacer may have lost his winning ways, but after the race was finished, Martin had nothing to worry about anymore.
Driven by Sylvain Lacaille, Atomic Million AM started from post three, but once the starting gate pulled away, the five-year-old gelded son of Million Dollar Cam was on the lead for good in the one-mile race.
To the opening quarter mile in :28 over a track rated 'good' after earlier rains and with a two second allowance, Atomic Million AM stuffed SOS Mach Xtreme (Stephane Brosseau) into the pocket seat and led the field past the half-mile in :59 and the three-quarters in 1:29.1.
On the final turn for home, Brosseau came after the race leaders, but it was too little too late as Atomic Million AM kicked in a :29.1 last quarter-mile to win by an easy by two and one-half open lengths in 1:58.2. SOS Mach Xtreme was second with D J Power (Pierre Luc Roy) third.
Atomic Million AM posted the fastest mile on the afternoon program. He was sent off as the overwhelming 1-5 wagering favourite and paid $2.40 to win.
Now Atomic Million AM seems poised to stay at the Hippodrome 3R for the upcoming Quebec-Bred Series for four and five-year-olds. He won the championship last year, setting a track record in 1:52.3 and also won the championship at age three.
The series gets underway next Sunday, May 22 with the first of four $6,500 preliminary rounds. The top eight point-earners then return on Sunday, June 26 for the $30,000 final.
If his performance Sunday is any indication that Atomic Million AM is happy to be back at the Hippodrome 3R, then a third straight championship is well within his grasp.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Hippodrome 3R.
(With files from QJC)